With substantial rain forecast for Southern California later this week, Santa Anita Park has proactively cancelled racing for Thursday, Dec. 30.
Live racing will return Friday, Dec. 31, but the three turf stakes races slated for that day have been moved to the weekend when the weather should be much improved.
The Grade 3 Robert J. Frankel now will be run on Saturday, Jan. 1, with the two 2-year-old turf stakes (Eddie Logan & Blue Norther) to be held on Sunday, Jan. 2.
With six races shifted from turf to dirt, resulting in 10 program scratches, business prospects for Santa Anita's 85th Winter/Spring Meet opener were a bit subdued on Sunday, but business was indeed brisk. With $2.3 million wagered on-track, total pari-mutuel handle was $19.4 million, making it the third-best Opening Day handle ever.
“We really want to thank the fans for supporting us and the horsemen for going with the changes and participating,” said Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager, Nate Newby. “Although it didn't rain yesterday, we had over 4 ½ inches of rain in the five days leading into Sunday, so the decision was made to come off the turf.
“I want to acknowledge the great job Dennis Moore and his team did yesterday in having the main track in tremendous shape. We had great racing and some great performances, just a fabulous day.”
The post Santa Anita Cancels Thursday Card Due To Rain; Friday’s Stakes Pushed To The Weekend appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
