Breeders’ Cup will continue at Santa Anita

LOS ANGELES — The Breeders’ Cup will remain at Santa Anita after 30 horses died during the Southern California track’s recent meet.

The board of directors unanimously decided to keep the twoday world championships Nov. 1-2 at the Arcadia track for a record 10th time. The board announced its decision Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky.

Craig Fravel, president and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup, said in a statement the ownership of Santa Anita and other groups has made “meaningful and effective reforms” in recent months to improve safety.

“We fully embrace those reforms and will devote our time and energy in the coming months to further advance those efforts,” he said.

The 30 horse deaths occurred during the winter-spring meet that began Dec. 26 and ended Sunday.

The decision gives a vote of confidence to the historic track and avoids the logistics of moving the richest two-day event in racing on five months’ notice.

“We need it so badly, just for morale,” Bob Baffert, two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer, said last week.

The president of The Stronach Group which owns Santa Anita, thanked the Breeders’ Cup board.

“Santa Anita and The Stronach Group remain steadfast in our commitment to put the health and safety of the horses and riders above all else, and we are pleased that the Breeders’ Cup board recognized and shares in that goal,” Belinda Stronach said.

Racing at Santa Anita is to resume Sept. 27.

The fatalities have raised alarm within California and the rest of the racing industry. Most of the deaths occurred during the winter months when usually arid Santa Anita was hit with record rainfall totaling nearly a foot.