LOS ANGELES – A fire outbreak on Los Angeles’ west side that has prompted new evacuations has caused Santa Anita to cancel horse racing this weekend.
The Arcadia track, near the smoldering Eaton fire that has decimated Altadena, said Friday that there would be Saturday racing, depending on air quality conditions.
However, track officials said early Saturday that given Friday evening’s developments surrounding the Palisades Fire, there would be no racing this weekend.
They said air quality standards at the track were within limits set by the California Horse Racing Board and the Office of Horseracing Integrity and Safety, but cited the growing impact of wildfires throughout Los Angeles County.
The vast, 90-year-old track is being used to support several relief efforts.
The charity drive held at the Rose Bowl was moved to Santa Anita’s south parking lot on Friday. Southern California Edison is using the entire north parking lot as its base to restore power to people in affected areas. The track works with other organizations requesting space.
On Saturday and Sunday morning training will continue as planned. The track has its own security staff and does not rely on local emergency services for normal events.
New dates for the postponed races will be announced at a later date.
