More than $1.2 million was bet across the state in the first 11 days that computer and telephone betting was approved in this state. It is known as account wagering. There is no way of telling yet if this is affecting attendance and live betting at Santa Anita Park. Two providers of online betting, XpressBet and TV Games, where approved by the California Horse Racing Board. Xpress Bet is owned by Magna Corp., which owns Santa Anita Park.
Racing improprieties and cheating alleged at Santa Anita Park. "Sponging" speculations are causing an increase in security policies at Santa Anita Park. Fist-sized sponges have been allegedly placed in horses' nostrils to impede their breathing capabilities, and thus, their chances of winning.
Representatives of the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Santa Anita Park race track has been named to their list of the country's most endangered historic places. Efforts mount to preserve Santa Anita's architectural integrity.
Patt Morrison, who is a member of two Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times reporting teams and host of KCET's "Bookshow", moderates a panel of Arcadia authors at a city centennial event on March 31, 2003 at Arcadia Public Library.
Santa Anita Park race track requested that the City Council delay acting on legislation that would govern its nighttime operations. Public hearings will be held so that the track's stance can be explained to neighboring homeowners.
Plans are underway for "Peacock Corner" at the fountain and entrance at Arcadia County Park at Santa Anita Avenue and Huntington Drive. The bronze peacock will be 8 feet tall.
The City Council gave a first reading to an ordinance that would allow the FrontRunner restaurant at Santa Anita Park race track to be open year round instead of just during the race season.