Santa Anita To Host Breeders Cup In 2019
Breeders' Cup affirmed (by unanimous decision of its Board) that it would conduct the 2019 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park again in 2019.
This will mark the 10th time the event has been held at Santa Anita, the most of any venue over the 36-year history of the Breeders' Cup. Concerns have been raised after 30 horses died in racing or training during the Dec. 26-June 23 Santa Anita meet.
Breeders' Cup president and CEO Craig Fravel said the organization was encouraged by the decisive steps taken by Santa Anita owner The Stronach Group, horsemen, and the California Horse Racing Board to address the equine safety issue.
Two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert was glad to see Breeders' Cup keep the event at Santa Anita, noting the improvements.
Trainer John Sadler, who won last year's Breeders' Cup Classic with Accelerate , also endorsed keeping the World Championships at Santa Anita.