Wildfires force training halt at Santa Anita as fires loom nearby

Training at Santa Anita Park was cancelled on Wednesday due to nearby wildfires fuelled by 80mph winds and dry conditions in Eaton, approximately 6.5 miles from the track. Flames were visible in the San Gabriel Mountains, with dramatic photos shared from Santa Anita’s grandstand.

While Santa Anita is “not in any imminent danger,” officials are closely monitoring air quality, with decisions on Friday and Saturday’s racing still pending. The park has offered to cover expenses for voluntarily relocating horses and has opened its grandstand to evacuees, providing food and beverages.

The fires have devastated parts of California, destroying over 1,000 homes and businesses and claiming two lives. High winds and dry fuels have exacerbated risks, with firefighters working aggressively to slow the spread. Santa Anita’s support underscores the equine community’s resilience amid ongoing wildfire challenges, which have disrupted racing in the past.