Horses running again at Santa Anita

ARCADIA (KABC) The opening horn was a welcoming sound for racing fans in Arcadia Thursday after three days of cancelations.

The track was closed due to difficulties with the recent rain and the new track.

Officials at Santa Anita are considering their options.

"The race track just will not drain. We're trying tests at USC. We have some encouraging test results as far as trying to repair the surface. The other option is to try to take the surface out and to put in a traditional racing surface - dirt," Santa Anita Race Track President Ron Charles said.

Another option is to hold races at Hollywood Park.

"They put in a track that helped the horses, but the issue with it is the drainage and it's when the wet weather comes that we have to worry about it. But right now it's in great shape," said Aaron Gryder, a jockey at Santa Anita.

Horse trainers are independent thinkers about anything involving racing. But most want a solution.

"When it rained, it was impossible to do anything. But right now the track looks like heaven," horse trainer Julio Canani said.

No one involved in racing is happy with the current situation. Thousands of people rely on racing for a living and they're all hoping the meets will continue at Santa Anita.

The decisions are being made on a day-to-day basis.

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