By Bloodhorse.com
ARCADIA, Calif. (June 30, 2016) —Santa Anita Park June 29 completed the installation of its new turf course, which will be ready for use for the Southern California track’s fall meet, which begins Sept. 30.
Including the hillside component, Santa Anita’s unique turf course covers approximately nine acres of surface area, which has now been amended and covered. The Bandera Bermuda turf mixture was grown in La Quinta, Calif., approximately 120 miles east of the Arcadia racetrack.
“This has been a major undertaking and we’re very pleased with how the entire project has progressed,” said Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast operations for The Stronach Group. “The hillside portion of the course was completed about three weeks ago and the oval was finished late yesterday. This particular turf has proven very resilient in our immediate area and right now, with the warm temperatures we’ve been experiencing, conditions are optimal for fast growth.
“The hillside has already begun to root, so that’s great news. About 40% of our races are run on grass, so this project is obviously a huge priority for us, our customers and horsemen.
“We’ve been told that we’d be able to run on it in 45 days, but with the installation completed on time, we’ll have 90 days before we have horses competing on it. We’re excited about opening day on Sept. 30 and we’re looking forward to welcoming the best horses in the world here for the Breeders’ Cup in November.”
Santa Anita’s current 40-day meet, which began May 5, will conclude July 10.