Arcadia, CA, January 5, 2026
Santa Anita Park in Arcadia has canceled live racing due to heavy rainfall affecting track conditions. This decision prioritizes the safety of horses and jockeys. The park plans to reschedule the canceled races, with makeup dates set. Despite recent weather challenges, attendance was strong at the park’s rescheduled opening. Looking ahead, management is optimistic about improved weather conditions in the coming days.
Arcadia, CA – Santa Anita Park Cancels Races Due to Ongoing Storm
Arcadia, CA – Santa Anita Park has announced the cancellation of live racing scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, as a result of severe rainfall from a series of storms impacting Southern California. This decision prioritizes the safety of both horses and jockeys, as current track conditions are deemed unsafe for racing. The park has set a makeup day for the canceled races on Thursday, January 15, 2026, alongside an additional live racing day on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
This cancellation follows a streak of weather-related disruptions at Santa Anita Park, which had previously halted operations on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day due to heavy rains. Since December 23, over 10 inches of rain have fallen on the track, rendering the turf saturated and unsuitable for racing.
In a notable instance, the opening day of Santa Anita Park’s 89th winter racing season, initially scheduled for December 26, 2025, was postponed to December 28 due to forecasted heavy rainfall. This marked the first time since the 2019-20 season that the traditional post-Christmas opening did not occur on December 26.
Despite these recent challenges brought on by inclement weather, Santa Anita Park recorded a strong attendance for its rescheduled opening day. The December 28 event welcomed 41,962 guests, making it the most successful opening day in nine years and the largest attendance for a Sunday opener since 1999. This indicates a robust interest in the racing event and a resilient spirit among attendees and stakeholders.
Looking forward, Santa Anita Park is optimistic about improved weather conditions. The General Manager forecasts a significant turnaround starting Monday, with no rain predicted for the next ten days. The management is committed to ensuring the safety of the horses while expressing gratitude to stakeholders for their understanding during challenging times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why were the races at Santa Anita Park canceled on January 3, 2026?
The races were canceled due to heavy rainfall impacting Southern California, creating unsafe track conditions.
When will the canceled races be rescheduled?
A makeup day for the races has been set for Thursday, January 15, 2026, with additional live racing scheduled for January 8, 2026.
Has Santa Anita Park experienced other cancellations recently?
Yes, live racing was also canceled on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day due to similar heavy rainfall.
What was the attendance at Santa Anita Park’s rescheduled opening day?
The rescheduled opening day on December 28, 2025, attracted an audience of 41,962, marking a significant attendance milestone.
What is the forecast for Santa Anita Park in the coming days?
Weather conditions are expected to improve significantly by Monday, with a forecast of no rain for the subsequent ten days.
Key Features of Santa Anita Park’s Recent Schedule Changes
| Event | Date | Status | Makeup Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Day | December 26, 2025 | Postponed | December 28, 2025 |
| New Year’s Eve Races | December 31, 2025 | Cancelled | January 8, 2026 |
| New Year’s Day Races | January 1, 2026 | Cancelled | January 8, 2026 |
| Saturday Races | January 3, 2026 | Cancelled | January 15, 2026 |
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