Santa Anita to resume racing with new rules to keep horses safe

Santa Anita is imposing new rules to scrutinize horses training on its racetrack and adding a director of equine welfare following the deaths of 21 horses since Dec. 26.

The Stronach Group, which owns the historic Southern California track, announced the changes on Saturday.

Extensive testing of the Santa Anita main track began today with trackman Dennis Moore and Dr. Mick Peterson of Racing Services Testing Lab at the forefront.

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— Santa Anita Park (@santaanitapark) March 8, 2019

The main dirt track is still being examined, a process that began Thursday. The racetrack remains indefinitely closed for racing.

Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, says the new safety and welfare measures will take effect when racing resumes in the coming weeks.

The director of equine welfare will be responsible for conducting transparent investigations of injured horses.

Ritvo says officials are looking forward to the racetrack returning to normal “but it will be a new normal.”