Citing dissatisfaction with its newly-installed turf course, Hollywood Park announced Tuesday there will be no grass racing at the 31-day autumn meet that begins Nov. 9. The announcement said purses from the eight graded races scheduled for the meet will be redirected to overnight purses.
"The course did not meet our expectations," said general manager Eual G. Wyatt Jr. "We don't want to mislead anyone or put any individuals or horses in jeopardy. We're doing what is right under the circumstances and will begin work immediately on the installation of a new course."
The 11 stakes races scheduled for the turf course - including the six Turf Festival races over Thanksgiving Weekend - will not be run at the autumn meet. They include the $500,000 Hollywood Derby, the $500,000 Matriarch and the $400,000 Citation Handicap, all grade I.
"The total monies for overnight purses will be increased significantly as a result," racing secretary Martin Panza said. "We will be working with the Thoroughbred Owners of California on a revised purse structure that will benefit those who participate at the meeting."
A revised condition book, substituting dirt races for the turf races, will be available shortly, the announcement said.
