New Santa Anita Dirt Handles Record Rainfall

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Photo: Benoit Photography

Santa Anita Dirt Track

Santa Anita’s new traditional dirt track received its initial baptism of record rainfall that is ongoing in the Los Angeles area and has weathered the storm well as opening day, Sunday, Dec. 26, draws near, according to a track release.

“The track was open this morning,” track superintendent Richard Tedesco said early Monday , accordinmorning, after it was closed Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 18-19). “We got six inches of rain so far (since last Friday afternoon) and have two more coming this afternoon. It should taper off after that, but a big one is scheduled on Tuesday or Wednesday. We had the dogs up this morning, and there were gallopers over the track.”

Added Santa Anita President George Haines: “Right now, we’re very surprised the track is as good as it is, after six inches of rain. We’re happy. We’re going to prepare it again for a big rain tonight. It looks like we’re going to get another two inches. I think generally the horsemen have been able to use the main track and exercise their horses, and they’re happy.”

The forecast through the evening of Dec. 20 is for the Los Angeles area to receive six to 12 inches of rain by the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 22.

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