Calif. racing board allows Oak Tree to move meet
May 22, 2010ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) -The California Horse Racing Board has authorized Oak Tree Racing Association to run its fall meet at another track in Southern California since the charitable association's use of Santa Anita is up in the air.
Oak Tree director Sherwood Chillingworth says if the group can't make a deal with Santa Anita to run its traditional meet in September and October, it can move to Hollywood Park in Inglewood or Del Mar near San Diego.
MI Developments last week voided its contract with Oak Tree after acquiring Santa Anita from Frank Stronach's Magna Entertainment Corp. through federal bankruptcy proceedings.
MID officials are scheduled to discuss a new lease proposal with Chillingworth when they meet on June 4.
MID says George Haines has been appointed interim president of Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields in Northern California following Ron Charles' resignation this week.