Santa Anita's main track was closed Thursday morning and the training track was limited to only joggers following yet another rainstorm that hit the area this week. Track officials said just over an inch of rain fell on Santa Anita during this latest series of storms, which began Tuesday. Wednesday morning, prior to the heaviest of the rainfall, both the main track and training track were open to gallopers and joggers. There have been no timed workouts at Santa Anita since Tuesday.
On Friday, an eight-race card is scheduled for Santa Anita which includes three turf races. Jason Egan, Santa Anita director of racing and racing secretary, said on Thursday he expects the card to be a go.
“The weather is supposed to clear out [Thursday], that's why we kept the main track closed to preserve it for racing on Friday,” Egan said. “I think we're going to be in good shape. We also should at least have gallopers and joggers on the main track tomorrow.”
As for the status of Friday's three turf races, Egan said he is hopeful they will remain on the grass.
“We want to wait to see how the rest of today goes weather-wise and then we'll make a determination,” he added.
Following this latest storm, Santa Anita has received more than 34 inches of rain since the start of the Classic Meet on Dec. 26. It's resulted in eight cards to be canceled, though four of those have already been made up. An additional makeup date is scheduled for Friday, Apr. 21.
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