Aidan O'Brien offers vote of confidence for Santa Anita over welfare issues

Embattled Santa Anita received a welcome vote of confidence from Aidan O’Brien on Wednesday, with the trainer revealing neither he nor the powerful Coolmore partners sought extra assurances over safety prior to having runners at next weekend’s Breeders’ Cup.

O’Brien has a team of 19 horses due to travel to California for the two-day fixture on November 1-2, including Magical, Anthony Van Dyck and Arizona, making him by far and away the biggest European presence at the meeting.

US racing, and Santa Anita in particular, has been under intense pressure and scrutiny this year following 34 equine deaths in races and training, 30 of which happened during the track’s winter/spring meet.

Magical: one of Aidan O'Brien's leading lights for the Breeders' CupCredit: Getty Images

However, O’Brien, who has 12 Breeders’ Cup winners to his name, did not seek any reassurance before committing his team to the meeting.

Speaking at an International Racing Bureau Breeders’ Cup press conference, O’Brien said: “No we didn’t [seek assurances]. We know everyone is doing their best and are throwing everything they have at it. Things happen and that’s the way it is. We’re very confident that everyone in charge is doing their best and will have it as good as they can possibly have it.

“It’s an unbelievable venue and we’re looking forward to it. It’s a fabulous meeting and one we look forward to every year as it’s where all the best horses meet, so we always want to be there.”

Outgoing Breeders’ Cup CEO Craig Fravel, who is set to join Santa Anita’s owner The Stronach Group, highlighted the levels of care horses and horsemen would receive next weekend.

He said: “The [safety] issues are well publicised and there’s no need to rehash them. The one thing that’s worth pointing out is that there’s been no racing jurisdiction safer than southern California since June.

“Anyone who’s been here before knows there’s going to be a lot of attention paid from a safety and medication standpoint. The Breeders’ Cup has been a tremendous leader in terms of establishing protocols for out-of-competition testing and on-course scrutiny too.”

He added: “If anything, the level of intense scrutiny that everyone is under will be a positive thing for the health and safety of our animals and competitors.”

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