Some of these issues are specific to the state while others are universal across many of the tracks across the country. One of the major issues has less to do with the racing industry and more to do with geography. One of the perks of racing on the east coast or in the midwest is the fact that trainers can find the right conditions at another track in the area and easily van their horses to the proper race.Ĭalifornia horse racing however, is largely isolated geographically. With very few tracks west of the Rocky Mountains, trainers don’t have many options for shipping their horses to other tracks. Those that do are often forced to use expensive airplane transport. The same applies to trainers who have an interest in shipping in from other jurisdictions. The result is often the cannibalization of California tracks competing for similar horse populations. Some have pointed out that horses at Golden Gate for example are often too far below those at Santa Anita, but the reality is that there are only so many horses to go around and the result is not good for field size which can frequently be 5 horses before scratches. Unfortunately another major issue plaguing California horse racing in particular was the extreme number of horse fatalities over the course of the 2010s. The high water mark was set in 2011 when 278 horses passed on track while racing or training. Once again the state saw a death toll over 200. While the tracks have taken dramatic measures to improve equine safety, including enhanced vet scrutiny and a prolonged closure of the downhill turf course at Santa Anita, the circuit has never quite been able to shake the public perception.ĭespite massive drop offs in equine fatalities, deaths like the recent passing of Medina Spirit only fuel those who wish to further the narrative that racing does not care about its athletes. Connections Exodusĭespite the troubles in California, they still had the advantages of big name trainers and jockeys. However, they too have started to look for greener pastures. The west coast was once home to the most prestigious jockey colonies in America. Jockeys like Bill Shoemaker and Russell Baze called California home. While the colony was strong in the early to mid 2000s there has been a precipitous drop off in the quality of riders.Ī major blow was dealt to the already top heavy jockey colony this year when it was announced that both Umberto Rispoli and leading rider Flavien Prat would both be moving their tack to the east coast. This leaves a gaping hole in the top of the jockey standings which are likely to see filled by Juan Hernandez or an aging John Velazquez.
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