Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted January 10 Journalists Share Posted January 10 The Santa Anita racing community continues to feel the impacts of the nearby Eaton fire. While the track itself and the 1,800 horses stabled on grounds have not been threatened, the fire has burned more than 13,900 acres while forcing over 100,000 people from their homes and destroying over 1,000 structures in the surrounding area. Agent Mike Ciani confirmed two-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Mario Gutierrez is among those who have lost their home from the fire. Among those forced to evacuate were trainers Michael McCarthy, Phil D'Amato, Dan Blacker and Tim Yakteen. Blacker said he and his family evacuated their Pasadena home near where the Eaton Fire started Tuesday night. “My family is fine,” said Blacker. “Our house is fine. We still haven't gone back as the power is still out. The whole thing is so sad. I'm just thankful we're all OK and the horses here are all Ok. There are a lot of houses near ours that just aren't there anymore.” Yakteen had to leave his home in Monrovia along with wife Millie Ball, who is part of Santa Anita's on-air simulcast team, and their two sons. “We had to evacuate and are still without power, but it's nothing compared to what some of these other families have had to endure. We're very fortunate,” said Yakteen. The Eaton Fire forced all training activities at Santa Anita to be canceled Wednesday and Santa Anita also notified trainers that if they wanted to voluntarily evacuate their horses, they would be relocated to another CHRB-sanctioned facility. Poor air quality continued to limit morning training to jogging and galloping on Thursday and Friday mornings and racing was canceled Friday. The status of Saturday's card, which is California Cup Day at Santa Anita, will be made later Friday. “Santa Anita has done a great job keeping everyone informed,” continued Blacker. “We've also had the fire marshal here keeping everyone informed. It's not an easy process to navigate. As concerning as all this has been, everything here seems like it's getting back to normal.” The post Santa Anita Continues To Feel Impacts From Nearby Eaton Fire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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