This week marked the beginning of construction works in the Santa Anita main track to replace the synthetic track for a natural dirt surface. The construction will take two months and authorities expect it to be complete by 6th December and ready for the 26th December traditional winter/spring meeting.

Santa Anita President George Haines commented the project marked the beginning of a new important chapter in the history of the track. “There is a great deal of anticipation from all corners of the Thoroughbred industry and we're very excited to get this project underway and to return to live racing.”

Three years ago, the California Horse Racing Board ordered Santa Anita to build a synthetic main track. Not wanting to breach the CHRB regulations, Santa Anita has requested the CHRB to waiver the request. Santa Anita is now negotiating the soils with the California Thoroughbred Trainers and the CHRB.

The project at Santa Anita will be overseen by horse racing track installation expert Ted Malloy, who said it would take about two weeks to remove the synthetic surface. Once it is ready, they will start working on the organic base. In the meanwhile, Santa Anita will be closed for training but open for wagering in other racing tracks in the country.