Photo:

Cal Fire & Amy Zimmerman / X

Santa Anita has reversed course and called off racing Saturday
and Sunday, saying the worsening conditions caused by wildfires in western Los
Angeles County compelled the cancellation.

“Santa Anita Park has canceled racing this weekend, given
the overnight developments on the west side of L.A.,” the track’s racing office
said in a text message sent to horsemen at 7:24 a.m. PST. “As air-quality
standards remain well within the limits established by the California Horse
Racing Board and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, training will
continue this morning as scheduled.”

Click here for Santa Anita entries and results.

Five stakes on the California Cup card originally were scheduled for Saturday as were the Grade 3 Las Ciénegas and an undercard drawn for Sunday. There was no immediate indication how or when those stakes would be made up.

Air quality had improved to the point that track
executives offered a cautious go-ahead Friday evening as long as conditions did
not change. However, the Palisades fire that wiped out much of the community of Pacific Palisades was spreading toward Brentwood, Encino and West Los Angeles, according to CNN.

The Eaton fire got within six miles of Santa Anita on Tuesday night, but the track has not been under threat since a fueling wind died down Wednesday morning. However, the smoke has been a concern since. The government air-quality index reached 109 on Saturday morning, but it was not forecast to go above the unhealthy level of 150. Federal and state guidelines say racing and training should stop if the AQI reaches 175.

“Both tracks will now remain open until 10 a.m. (PST),” the racing office said.

This story will be updated.