Los Al Cancels Race-day After Devastating San Luis Rey Downs Loss

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — After the tragic death of horses during recent wildfires in Bonsall, Ca., the Los Alamitos Race Course has canceled Friday's daytime thoroughbred racing program. A fire that swept through the San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego County destroyed several barns and killed several horses, the California Horse Racing Board said.

Reflecting on the Thursday tragedy, Los Alamitos cancelled the day. "This is a tragic blow to the California thoroughbred racing industry and of great sorrow to everyone," Los Alamitos Racing Association Vice President Jack Liebau said. "We express our sympathy to the owners, trainers and caretakers of the horses victimized by this tragic event.

The racetrack's winter thoroughfare meet is scheduled to resume at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Los Alamitos' evening Quarter Horse racing program will be open, starting at 7 p.m. Friday evening. The track's satellite facility will be open Friday for simulcast wagering.

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.

An unknown number of horses were transported further south to Del Mar Racetrack, which is currently seeking assistance. As of Friday morning,

"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