Coronavirus Strikes Santa Anita Race Track

ARCADIA, CA — Sunday marked the end of the six-month race meet at Santa Anita Race Track. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 17 at the track have tested positive for coronavirus related illness.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the number of those infected with COVID-19 was "for the entire meeting, and counts people who list Santa Anita as their workplace," according to Aidan Butler, acting executive director for the Stronach Group that runs track.

Butler told the Times that of the 17, there were only two cases on the backstretch where a husband and wife both tested positive.
A trainer, who remained unidentified, also tested positive, through family contact, Butler told the Times.

Since reopening in mid-May, all those living and working at Santa Anita were tested for coronavirus every Wednesday before they were allowed on the track Friday morning, the Times reported.

The coronavirus-interrupted 83rd Winter Meet at Santa Anita Park ended Sunday, after a 12-race card.

Since March 12th, the Arcadia track has held its races without fans.

Still, the race track also suffered another loss after a colt suffered life-ending injuries during training.

Strictly Biz became the 16th horse to die in a racing or training-related incident on Saturday.

The 4-year-old colt fractured a right knee on the gallop out and was transported to the Equine Hospital, where a Santa Anita spokesman said he was humanely euthanized.