Santa Anita . Park Finishing the six-month 2021-22 Winter-Spring season on June 19 is the safest track in North America among races with comparable training and racing volumes.
Santa Anita Park’s record was marked by a 62.5% year-over-year improvement from December 26, 2021 through June 19, 2022 closing, with three racing deaths from more than 4,800 beginners. The main track did not have a single musculoskeletal death during 26 weeks.
The overall racing and training figures mark a 74% improvement since spring 2019 when historic reforms to modernize the Thoroughbred sport were instituted by 1/ST Racing, the Commission. The California Horse Racing Board and industry stakeholders.
“These results highlight the efforts of the entire racing community to put horse safety first,” said Nate Newby, SVP and general manager of Santa Anita Park. “The diligence and dedication of the owners, trainers, riders, veterinarians, and hard-working men and women who care for their horses every day is truly a revolution in the industry. this sport. We are especially grateful to our Santa Anita Park team, led by veteran Dennis Moore, whose tireless efforts have contributed to this success story. However, none of the protocols would have worked without our horsemen who have supported this transition and we are grateful for their continued support. “
Reforms to modernize the sport of Thoroughbred Horse racing were initiated in Santa Anita and subsequently adopted by the CHRB, forming the backbone of new national standards to be applied by the Integrity Act. and safety of equestrianism effective July 1 .
“Santa Anita Park veterinarians have performed more than 3,700 pre-horse checks at Santa Anita since December 1,” said Dionne Benson, veterinary director of 1/ST Racing. We appreciate that this involves more effort for our stakeholders, but this scrutiny has allowed for more opportunities to work with everyone in the best interests of our stakeholders. horse.”
Data posted to the CHRB website in January shows that last year’s equine deaths at CHRB-regulated facilities had fallen to their level. the lowest total in 10 years.
CEO CHRB Scott Chaney said last month that “catastrophic injuries are extremely rare in California, and are getting rarer every year.” He added, “But as a result, the impact of each injury is more felt and candidly reported.”
In addition to hosting some of the nation’s most prestigious races, Santa Anita Park is also home to one of the largest training facilities in the country, operating nearly year-round with more than 375,000 training sessions per year.
Live racing will return to Santa Anita Park September 30 for a fall meet with 26 stake races in a five-week season.
