Santa Anita Responds To Devastating San Luis Rey Downs Loss

ARCADIA, CA — There is currently no room at Santa Anita racetrack after recent wildfires raged through the region. The Los Angeles County Fairgrounds remains available to take in large animals. Further south in San Diego County, the Lilac Fire swept through the San Luis Rey Downs training center and destroyed several barns and killed 25 horses, while the racing community watched in horror.

On Thursday, flames from the fast moving Lilac Fire ripped through the San Luis Rey Downs, striking a devastating blow. "Individuals at (San Luis Rey) risked their lives in efforts to free the horses from their stalls and herd them into the safer infield area and training track," public information officer of the California Horse Racing Board Mike Marten said. "However, it is believed that approximately 25 horses perished in the fire."

The fire quickly engulfed eight barns when it erupted Thursday afternoon, and while an unknown number of horses were evacuated, fire authorities eventually declared conditions unsafe for vehicles to enter the area to pick up the remaining horses, Marten said.

In response, the Santa Anita Racetrack promoted a GoFundMe page dedicated to raising money toward the victims of that blaze.

Though an unknown number of horses were transported further south to Del Mar Racetrack, which is currently seeking assistance. As of Friday morning, 850 horses are currently being cared for at the track. According to reports, approximately 100 volunteers were there to lend a hand, pitch in and do what is necessary to aid the traumatized horses.

"From what I understand, many grooms lost everything in the fire while they were helping load up horses and get them out of harm's way," Sophie Shore, founder of the Nexus Racing Club and sponsor of another GoFundMe page for San Luis Rey Downs victims said. "Many trainers were also injured, and lost gear, but while trainers most likely are insured, many grooms were not."

The loss of life and property is difficult to bear for online witnesses such as Shore, and offering money and words of kindness are all that they have.

"We salute those who so bravely attempted to safeguard horses at San Luis Rey Downs in face of the swiftly approaching fire as well as those who transported horses to Del Mar under hazardous conditions and those who went to Del Mar to aid the horses moved there.

Del Mar Racetrack spokesperson anticipates the need of volunteers for shifts Friday. "We have about 800-850 horses and are expecting more to arrive today," they said.

Volunteers should call 858-755-1161. As of Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. they were in need of:

• Shavings
• Alfalfa
• Lead ropes
• Halters
• Eye hooks and clips
• Blankets
• Gloves

How to Help Evacuated Horses and Large Animals:

• Santa Anita GoFundMe Campaign established for victims of San Luis Rey Downs
• Help for San Luis Rey Downs victims, by Nexus Racing Club
• California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association has an online portal for donations to assist those impacted by the fire.
• National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association -- which touts itself as horsemen helping horsemen -- says it will work alongside other agencies to help those in need.
• Thoroughbred Charities of America accepts donations online or by phone at (859) 276-4989

Image, courtesy Thoroughbred GoFundMe