Santa Anita Cancels New Year’s Day Card Due to Steady Rain

[Wandering Eyes]

Santa Anita Park canceled the New Year's Day racing program as steady rain soaked the Southern California area throughout Saturday night and into early Sunday morning. The rain began as a light drizzle Saturday morning but increased in strength throughout the completion of the program, continuing throughout the night. A gale warning remained in effect through Sunday evening.

Racing is expected to resume at Santa Anita Monday, Jan. 2, with 10 races and a first post at 12 noon.

Sunday's eight-race card was to be led by the GIII Santa Ynez S., where TDN `Rising Star' Justique (Justify) was looking to pick up some Kentucky Oaks points as the 4-5 favorite in the field.

The popular Corgi Winter Nationals, which was set to be held in the infield, has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 19th. Pre-purchased tickets have already been transferred to the new date.

Santa Anita has posted strong figures for the winter meet. An all-time handle record was set for an opening day with over $26 million wagered all sources. The December 26 crowd of 41,446 was the largest gathering on-track for a non-Breeders' Cup day since 2016. The strength of the handle continued Friday and Saturday, with more than $10.6 million Friday and over $11.4 million Saturday all sources. Combined with Opening Day, Santa Anita Park has handled nearly $50 million over the first three days of the season.

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