Due to unprecedented winter conditions forecast for Southern California through this weekend, Santa Anita Park has cancelled Saturday and Sunday’s racing programs prior to entries being taken for either day. The track had already called off the Friday racing card, which was a makeup day not originally on the calendar.

Blizzard warnings have been issued for the San Gabriel Mountains behind the historic track, with snowfall expected at the 1,000 foot level. The storm, which is expected to begin late this morning, is forecast to drop six inches of rain through Saturday.

The decision to cancel both days out of an abundance of caution was made in consultation with industry stakeholders, including the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the California Thoroughbred Trainers Association, and the California Horse Racing Board.

In the judgement of the stakeholders, because the track will have been closed for training for at least two days because of the storm, the races were called off through the weekend to prioritize the safety of the competitors.