Santa Anita Park opens the 2010-2011 season with a new $3 million dirt surface on its track. The on-track attendance was 34,268, which was 1,400 less than last year. Trumpeter Jay Cohen calls the horses to the gate (photo).
Santa Anita Park's current Pro-Ride synthetic track surface will be replaced with a dirt track after the Oak Tree meet ends October 31 and before Santa Anita Park's winter-spring season starts December 26, 2010. Frank Stronach said it will cost about $6 million to install.
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.
Trainer John Sadler, a 54-year old Long Beach native, watched from home with a knee injury, as his trainees Switch, Sidney's Candy, and Twirling Candy) win three stakes races on Santa Anita Park's opening day of the 2010-2011 season, its 74th racing season.
Opening day of its 72nd season of thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita Park brought in 33,112 fans. Santa Anita Park officials were pleased with the turnout.