Los Angeles raging wildfires halt training at Santa Anita but course not in imminent danger

Wildfires raging in Los Angeles led to the cancellation of training at Santa Anita on Wednesday, with flames coming within a few miles of the historic racecourse.

Evacuations have been taking place in the city after fires, whipped up by 80mph winds and accelerated by dry conditions, broke out in three areas including Eaton, about six and a half miles from Santa Anita.

Pictures showing the vast expanse of flames in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains were posted from the Santa Anita grandstand, while John Sadler, trainer of the unbeaten 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Flightline, published a picture on X of the fire burning near to the course when arriving at his racecourse barn at 4am on Wednesday.

Track officials informed participants on Wednesday morning that the racecourse was “not in any imminent danger” and that air quality would be monitored, with racing scheduled to take place at the course on Friday and Saturday.

The statement said: “Our thoughts are with everyone in our community affected by the wildfires. While Santa Anita is not in any imminent danger, if you would like to voluntarily evacuate your horses, Santa Anita Park will pay for them to be relocated. Please contact the racing office for details.

“If you have been evacuated from your homes, you are welcome to come to the Santa Anita grandstand with food and beverage provided.”

On the California government website, several areas north of Santa Anita, which is in Arcadia, north-east of downtown Los Angeles, have been ordered to evacuate, with the racecourse just outside the evacuation warning zone.

A statement on the website said: “Firefighters are working aggressively to slow the spread and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions. Multiple structures have been damaged or destroyed as the wind-driven brush fire continues.

“High wind conditions are expected to continue until Thursday evening. The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion. Residents are urged to remain alert and follow instructions from local authorities as the situation evolves.”

Two people are reported to have died in the fires, which started on Tuesday, with more than 1,000 homes and businesses destroyed.

Santa Anita has been impacted by previous wildfires, including when racing was cancelled for two days in 2020 due to smoke. In 2017, a fire engulfed San Luis Rey Downs training centre, between Los Angeles and San Diego, with 46 horses killed and eight barns destroyed.

Read more:

BHA announces additional Saturday fixtures at Ffos Las and Chelmsford 

Wetherby's Saturday card lost to the weather with Warwick to inspect on Thursday morning for its Premier meeting 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.