Chris Merz

In an effort to attract out-of-state horses to run at its winter/spring meet, officials at Santa Anita have announced the introduction of the 'Sunshine Bonus.' The bonus offers $3,000 of guaranteed money paid to the owners of eligible horses making their first starts at Santa Anita, excluding stakes races and debuting horses. "Along with the 10% raise in our average daily purse distribution--which now totals  $533,000--we're hopeful this new Sunshine Bonus program will help to attract horses that have not run in California over the past 12 months," said Chris...

Longtime Santa Anita executives Nate Newby and Amy Zimmerman have been promoted. Newby is now the Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager and Zimmerman is Senior Vice President and Executive Producer. Also, Chris Merz, Maryland Jockey Club's Racing Secretary, has returned to Santa Anita as Director of Racing, assisting Steve Lym, Vice President - Racing. "As I look to continuously strengthen Santa Anita with strong leadership and a dedicated team behind me, I am confident that Nate and Amy, with their vast experience and commitment to Santa Anita and...