2019 Breeders' Cup to remain at Santa Anita after horse welfare reforms

The world-renowned Breeders' Cup meeting will take place at Santa Anita in November as planned after the organisation's board announced they were satisfied with "meaningful and effective" horse reform measures introduced at the track.

Concerns were raised after 30 horses died in racing or training during the racing season, between December 26 and June 23.

However, Breeders' Cup president and CEO Craig Fravel said: "Foremost among the core values of the Breeders' Cup are the safety and integrity of the competition and we hold ourselves, our host sites and our competitors, to the highest standards of both.

"It is clear that meaningful and effective reforms and best practices have been implemented in recent months at Santa Anita through the collective efforts of The Stronach Group, the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the California Thoroughbred Trainers, and the California Horse Racing Board.

Highland Reel: winner of the Breeders' Cup turf in 2016, when the meeting was last staged at Santa AnitaCredit: Sean M. Haffey

"We fully embrace those reforms and will devote our time and energy in the coming months to further advance those efforts. We look forward to showing the world the best in Thoroughbred racing at one of its finest venues."

When racing returned on March 29 from almost a month-long hiatus after being cancelled indefinitely from March 5, the track, horsemen, and California Horse Racing Board had worked together to put in place new standards aimed at improving equine safety.

Those changes included cutting the maximum dosage of race-day Lasix, complete transparency of all veterinary records, strict limitations on the use of any pain or anti-inflammatory medication and treatment, requiring trainers to apply for permission to work a horse at least 48 hours in advance, and significantly increased out-of-competition testing.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's CEO Joe Harper has supported the decision for the meeting to remain at Santa Anita.

Harper said: "Del Mar Thoroughbred Club fully supports Breeders' Cup decision to remain at Santa Anita Park in 2019. This was an important recognition of the efforts undertaken by all of California racing and we appreciate the continued support.

"We also look forward to hosting the World Championships here at Del Mar again in 2021."

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association were also in agreement with the verdict.

Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA, said: "The NTRA fully supports the decision of the Breeders’ Cup board of directors to affirm its commitment to host the 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita.

"California regulators, racetrack operators, owners, and horsemen have worked together to institute significant and effective reforms and we will lend our assistance in all capacities to ensure this year’s two-day event is a rousing success."

Santa Anita will next stage racing on September 26 and the Breeders' Cup meeting will be held on November 1 and 2.

This will mark the tenth time the event will be held at Santa Anita, the most of any host venue over the 36-year history of the Breeders' Cup.

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