Jason Egan

As part of a larger $32 million improvement plan, Santa Anita's training track should re-open in mid-January after it was closed for construction Nov. 12, as it changes from a sand-based surface to an all-weather synthetic one, the track said in a release Friday afternoon. Constructed by Tapeta Footings, the new surface is designed to improve safety while also helping to limit weather-related training disruptions. "The main thing is having synthetic will alleviate a complete stoppage of training because of weather," said Jason Egan, Santa Anita Director of Racing and...

The Ship & Win Program designed to attract horses from outside California to compete at the track will return to Santa Anita when the track opens for racing Dec. 26. The program, will provide eligible shippers with $4,000 guaranteed for their first start (first-time starters excluded), as well additional bonus money in excess of listed purses. For those Ship & Win horses finishing first through fifth on dirt, they will receive a 50% bonus and those finishing first through fifth on turf will get a 40% bonus in addition to...

After being closed for training Friday and Saturday, Santa Anita's main track and training track were open for light training Sunday. According to Santa Anita officials, a total of 6.5 inches of rain fell in Arcadia from Thursday through Saturday, closing the track to both racing and training into the weekend. Horses were able to jog on both tracks under partly cloudy skies Sunday. There have been no timed workouts at Santa Anita since Thursday. More rain is forecast for the first half of next week, but the amount projected...

Santa Anita has canceled Friday's card due to heavy rain forecast for the area beginning Thursday. Most of the races scheduled for Friday will be brought back as "extras" on Saturday, according to a notice from the racing office. "We're looking at a low end of probably two inches of rain between late Thursday and Friday with a high end closer to five inches," said Jason Egan, Santa Anita director of racing and racing secretary. Friday was originally scheduled to be a dark day at Santa Anita following Monday's special...

Santa Anita Park will once again offer its 'Ship & Win' program, which has successfully attracted significant numbers of horses based outside of California over the last two years, at the track's 18-day fall meeting, which is set to begin Friday, Sept. 30. The program offers a $5,000 bonus for eligible horses making his or her first start, and a 35% bonus, excluding stakes races, is also available. The 'Ship & Win' program is a joint venture with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. "Ship and Win has proven to be...