Air quality concerns were raised by track employees over fumes and breathable fibers being emitted by the artificial track known as the Cushion Track, which was treated for drainage problems by Pro-Ride Racing in late August. Cal/OSHA hired Colin Young, a certified industrial hygienist to study health risks posed by the track. Young will recommend the artificial race track poses "absolutely no health risks."
Beginning July 14, Santa Anita Park's main track will be reconstituted with a mixture of Pro-Ride synthetic materials to replace its ill-fated Cushion Track.
Drainage problems with the Cushion Track cause the cancellation of races. Santa Anita Park race track executives weigh options including shutting down and moving races to Hollywood Park, or installing a completely new surface.
Lava Man, with exercise rider Tony Romero, takes a jog on the Santa Anita Park race track's new surface, a Cushion Track that cost more than $10 million.
Santa Anita Park cancelled horse racing Monday for the third consecutive day after 7-1/2-inches of rain fell on its Cushion Track, creating drainage problems.
Santa Anita Park has come up with two options to solve its drainage issues caused by the Cushion Track. Santa Anita Park president Ron Charles will announce his decision Thursday. Santa Anita had to cancel three consecutive days of horse racing for the first time in its 71-year history, due to heavy rainfall.
Santa Anita Park president Ron Charles has announced it will continue to race on its Cushion Track this season. It will undergo some reformulation with polymer and fibers produced by Pro-Ride, an Australian company, so that it will drain properly.
Santa Anita Park race track president Ron Charles discusses drainage problems in the Cushion Track and promises that opening day will go on as scheduled.
The temporary shutting down of horse racing at Santa Anita Park, due to drainage issues associated with its Cushion Track, has slowed food, beverage and merchandise sales on site. The City of Arcadia, which receives a portion of each ticket sold, has cause for concern.
Two inches of hail forced the cancellation of races at Santa Anita Park yesterday. More rain is expected over the next few days. Maintenance on the Cushion Track will begin when the rain stops.