Due to the rapidly expanding Palisades fire, Santa Anita Park has canceled all racing events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Initially, officials had planned to proceed with the California Cup stakes and the GIII Las Cienegas Stakes. However, the situation escalated overnight, leading to mass evacuations in nearby areas. Despite air-quality readings remaining within safety limits, the track is now focusing on supporting relief efforts. The park's property has been repurposed to assist various organizations responding to the crisis, including serving as a drop-off point for charitable donations and a basecamp for power restoration operations.

The Palisades fire, which flared up dramatically, has consumed over 21,500 acres of land in the Santa Monica Mountains. This blaze has caused significant disruption in the region, prompting evacuations in Brentwood and Encino. Although the air quality at Santa Anita Park met the standards set by regulatory bodies, the decision was made to cancel racing events due to the broader impact of the disaster. Morning training sessions will continue as scheduled, and the facility remains open for simulcast wagering. The track’s security team, independent of local first responders, ensures that normal operations can be maintained without straining emergency services already stretched thin by the fire.

Santa Anita Park has transformed into a hub for relief efforts. The south parking lot has become a central location for charity drop-offs, relocating from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Thousands of people have arrived to donate supplies or collect necessary items. Meanwhile, Southern California Edison has established its basecamp in the north parking lot to coordinate power restoration for affected communities. The park is collaborating with multiple response organizations to provide space and support for their operations.

Racing enthusiasts and organizers are now waiting for updates on rescheduling the California Cup, an event dedicated to horses bred in the state. Discussions with stakeholders are ongoing to determine the best course of action. As the situation continues to evolve, further announcements will be made regarding future racing plans at Santa Anita Park.