Santa Anita reopens for training on new surface
December 7, 2010ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -Santa Anita has reopened for training on its new dirt surface three weeks before its winter meet begins.
The new surface replaces the synthetic material that was installed in 2007 under a mandate of the California Horse Racing Board and removed starting in October.
The new dirt consists of 90 percent sand and 10 percent clay. The track's base and upper layers will have a depth of 15 to 17 inches.
Santa Anita President George Haines says purses are expected to be 25 percent higher for the winter meet that begins Dec. 26, which should result in larger, more competitive fields and better wagering opportunities. He says advance ticket sales are higher than a year ago.