Los Alamitos Race Course has canceled Friday’s daytime thoroughbred racing program in response to the fire that swept through the San Luis Rey Downs training center in San Diego County, destroying several barns and killing several horses.
The California Horse Racing Board said about 25 horses are believed to have perished.
“This is a tragic blow to the California thoroughbred racing industry and of great sorrow to everyone,” Los Alamitos Racing Association Vice President Jack Liebau said. “We express our sympathy to the owners, trainers and caretakers of the horses victimized by this tragic event.
“We salute those who so bravely attempted to safeguard horses at San Luis Rey Downs in face of the swiftly approaching fire as well as those who transported horses to Del Mar under hazardous conditions and those who went to Del Mar to aid the horses moved there.
The racetrack’s winter thoroughfare meet is scheduled to resume at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Los Alamitos’ evening Quarter Horse racing program will be open Friday evening, starting at 7 p.m..The track’s satellite facility will be open Friday for simulcast wagering.
—City News Service