The Los Angeles wildfire has caused significant destruction. The scorching heat has destroyed approx. 36,685 acres of land, including approximately 13,400 properties, resulting in an economic impact of around $135 billion – $150 billion. Indeed, it’s heartbreaking to witness such historically significant land reduced to ashes. Due to the natural disaster, a popular equestrian racetrack in California has also decided to suspend this weekend’s horse racing.

Indeed, horse safety is the utmost priority of the venues and even the fans. And while it’s a tough decision to stop the program with a few months remaining to the Kentucky Derby, it’s vital for the security of the animals and also the personnel of the track, and it has also made a lot of fans happy over the internet after they heard the decision of the officials.

The suspension imposed by the racetrack officials

So which track is it? If you’re an avid equestrian fan, you must know the Santa Anita Park. The Californian track has a long history and has conducted a ton of races throughout its 90 years of horse racing. It has seen many horses become legends alongside their jockeys and trainers, and it has always been a wonderful racetrack for the fans to enjoy horse racing, especially on the weekends. However, the unexpected LA wildfires forced the officials to make a major decision.

As reported by Steve Andersen on X, the journalist confirmed the situation at the Santa Anita Park, stating, “ALERT. Santa Anita is not racing this weekend. The track announced cancellation of Saturday and Sunday program in 7 o’clock hour on Saturday morning, citing concern over expansion of the Pacific Palisades fire, which has moved north and east.” 

The racing was scheduled for the course, but eventually, it was postponed. Given the proximity of the Eaton fire that devastated Altadena, the officials delayed their announcement until Saturday morning, just before the racing action. However, what was the main reason? The air quality. Yes, as the surrounding areas are burning due to the wildfire, the air quality has dropped, and if there had been any official race, it would’ve been beyond the safety limits for the horses and the humans present on the track, which is definitely not legal.

Stopping horse racing on a track like Santa Anita Park will surely affect the schedule in the future. But at this point, the safety of the animals is more important than the sport itself. Indeed, right after the decision the officials received nothing but appreciation from the community.

Horse racing fans couldn’t be happier

Horse racing is a sport that takes a lot of time to be organized. For this weekend, everything was ready in Santa Anita Park. However, the harsh decision of suspending the races had to be made, but it didn’t make the fans mad, as one stated, “Correct decision! Shouldn’t have taken this long for them to come to the conclusion.” Similarly, another fan wrote, “Good decision for everyone’s safety!” Indeed, people are just happy that they are caring for the animals, as this fan stated, “So glad they are actually caring about the animals over racing!”

Santa Anita Park has a rich history, having conducted races for 90 years. And there are many controversies too. Recently, owing to many fatalities on the Californian track, many notable people, like Mike Repole, who has many horses to his name, stated the importance of prioritizing safety and protecting horse racing from failing over fans’ sights. “You’re not a national sport if you’re not in California. It’s not like if California goes, ‘we get more (market) share.’ No, if California goes, you lose. You might win (more business) for another year or two, but long-term (there would be) less and less interest,” said the 55-year-old.

Indeed, Repole is committed to enhancing the sport, and he understands that California is the center of horse racing. However, such times, especially during the LA wildfire, require tough decisions, and it was something that was appreciated, as one comment read, “The right thing to do.” Similarly, another fan wrote, “Good for them. Why expose their horses and personnel?”

The horse racing fans always crave more on the track. However, they also exhibit concern for the horses and the individuals involved in the upkeep of the racecourses. While the scorching flames are consuming LA, it is important for the racecourse to prioritize the safety of anyone associated with them, and indeed, they made the correct choice of suspending the races!