How Santa Anita's heroic support to LA fires reminded us how crucial racecourses remain to all walks of life

We've been starved of jump racing in Britain and Ireland this new year thanks to a cold snap, but the very different conditions in the US we've seen in the news put our weather woes into perspective.

The devastating wildfires raging in Los Angeles have led to dozens of deaths, reduced thousands of acres of land and buildings into ash, and turned hundreds of thousands of people's lives upside down. US racing stars are among those affected, with dual Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Mario Gutierrez losing his home.

The threat isn't over, but the flames have thankfully not reached Santa Anita racecourse. The jewel in California's racing crown has created champions for lifetimes, but in the last couple of days it has also showcased the vital role tracks can play in communities even beyond racing's perimeter.