California Wildfires

Golden Gate Fields in Berkley, California, cancelled the Oct. 2 live racing card due to poor air quality stemming from the widespread fires in the state. "Due to unhealthy air quality unsuitable for racing, Golden Gate Fields is cancelling live racing today," according to a Tweet posted by the track. "We will be monitoring this situation on a daily basis."

While racing this week at Santa Anita has been canceled due to the fires that are ravaging the West, its sister track, Golden Gate Fields, will be back in business starting Thursday. Golden Gate Vice President and General Manager David Duggan said the area surrounding the track has undergone a dramatic transformation, with clear blue skies having replaced the orange glow that had surrounded the Bay Area earlier. Golden Gate was forced to cancel its three weekend cards last week and as not raced since Sept. 7. "Last Thursday, you...

The opening day of Santa Anita's Autumn season will be pushed back a week until Friday, Sept. 25 due to the impact of the Bobcat Fire on the air quality and surrounding community. "Our local community has been deeply impacted by the Bobcat Fire burning for more than a week in the mountains behind us," said Aidan Butler, Executive Director of California Operations for The Stronach Group. "The current weather pattern has kept the smoke in the valley and the air quality is quite poor right now. The Red Cross...