Racing to resume today

Racing is scheduled to resume at Santa Anita today for the first time in six days.

The Arcadia track lost an unprecedented three straight race days, Saturday through Monday, because of heavy rains and the ongoing drainage problem with the facility’s new synthetic surface.

Ron Charles, Santa Anita president, said Wednesday that he had a very productive meeting with trainers and owners to discuss the situation and possible options.

Charles said again that he expected to have an announcement today detailing plans to continue racing at Santa Anita with the loss of a minimal number of race days.

He said he told the trainers that one of the options was replacing the synthetic track with a dirt track to ensure that more racing days wouldn’t be lost because of inclement weather.

Charles also reiterated that he didn’t anticipate moving any races to Hollywood Park, even though the California Horse Racing Board on Tuesday voted unanimously to allow Santa Anita to do that.

Charles said one possible plan involves some days of racing only on the turf course.