Santa Anita forced to cancel racing due to coronavirus pandemic

Santa Anita was forced to cancel racing just hours before its meeting on Friday evening in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Racing had been taking place behind closed doors since March 11 and the track was scheduled to host a three-day meeting before being told to close by the Los Angeles County Health Department.

The track has postponed the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, which was slated for April 4 and is a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby.

Another US track to close due to the coronavirus was Aquaduct, who cancelled the remainder of its winter and spring meetings on Saturday with the building now set to serve as a temporary hospital site during the fight against the pandemic.

Stating the reasons for the closure, officials said: "We are abiding by the instructions issued this morning by the Californian Horse Racing Board to operate under the sanction of the local health authorities.

"The health, safety, and welfare of every person and every horse in our community is our top priority. At this time, there are no known cases of Covid-19 at Santa Anita Park. This measure is being taken in response to a mandate from LA County officials."

There are more than 1,700 horses stabled at Santa Anita who require daily care and that will be provided by a mostly on-site team.

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