Due to foul weather, San Luis Rey Stakes postponed to 25 March
The weather channels have forecasted that there will be heavy rains on 17 and 18 March, which will automatically disrupt the runnings of crucial races set to happen at Santa Anita Park, and the races set to happen over the Santa Anita Park’s unique downhill
turf course, will be more effected by rain. In response, the officials of the course have decided to postpone the running of the Grade 2, $150,000 San Luis Rey Stakes on the same course at 25 March, 2012.
Due to prospect of foul weather, the San Luis Rey Stakes will be held a week further from its original date, and to fill the spot the 9th running of the $70,000 Santana Mile sets to be the alternative for the turf marathon.
The race has already reeled in seven runners. On the other hand San Luis Rey Stakes, that is run over a distance of 1 ½ miles for older horses will be contested for the 61st time this year.
“We’ve got some significant rain coming our way over the weekend,” said Rick Hammerle, Santa Anita's vice president of racing. “The heaviest rain is expected on Saturday and if we get what is called for, the turf course is likely to be very soft and wet
on Sunday. If that’s the case, the race in all likelihood, would have to be transferred to the main track, which would probably be listed as muddy or wet fast.
“After consulting with the horsemen and the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California) we decided it would be in everyone’s best interest to postpone the race by one week. “
The Grade 2, $150,000 event for older horses is an important race, which ultimately becomes an important steppingstone to the Grade 2 San Juan Capistrano Handicap, which is set to go underway on 22 April, 2012.
It’s only fair that the San Luis Rey Stakes participants get a fair opportunity to compete for the race to participate for the major race on the closing day of April 22, and the only fair thing would be to give these older horses a firm surface to run on,
that is why the San Luis Rey Stakes was postponed to the weekend after.
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