Santa Anita assesses track after incidents
Santa Anita officials have begun an urgent inspection and evaluation of its synthetic Pro-Ride surface after five breakdowns, including three fatalities, of horses in the first two weeks of its winter meeting.
“There is some concern,” track spokesman Mike Willman said. “We were absolutely surprised.”
Santa Anita had one horse euthanized during its 26-day Oak Tree meeting in the fall, but the recent problems caused track officials to seek help from Ian Pearse, the managing director of Australia-based Pro-Ride.
Pearse was scheduled to arrive Monday to offer his assistance.
“We are looking at everything,” Willman said. “It’s completely unacceptable by any accounts.”
Cold temperatures combined with recent rain may have affected the synthetic surface, but Santa Anita officials are puzzled with the sudden breakdowns.
Santa Anita has spent more than $15 million on its synthetic track. The Pro-Ride surface was installed before its Oak Tree meeting after draining issues with the Cushion Track synthetic surface.
Trainer John Shirreffs said the history of synthetic surfaces indicate there’s a “honeymoon period” in which tracks perform well, but then encounter problems.
“I don’t know if there’s a lot they can do,” Shirreffs said.
There have been no breakdowns since Thursday. Racing resumes Wednesday.
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