After a brief hiatus due to hazardous air conditions caused by the nearby Eaton fire, Santa Anita Park cautiously resumed its racing activities over the weekend. Track management issued an announcement on Friday evening, confirming that races would proceed as scheduled on Saturday morning. The decision came after extensive consultations with officials and stakeholders, ensuring that current air quality levels were within safe limits for both horses and participants. While some uncertainty remains regarding Sunday's events, the track has reopened for jogging and galloping, with strict monitoring of air quality to ensure safety.

The Eaton fire, which had approached within six miles of Santa Anita on Tuesday night, has devastated parts of the San Gabriel foothills, claiming at least five lives and destroying 5,000 buildings across 21 square miles. Despite the tragic toll, the racetrack and its stabled horses remained unharmed. However, many in the local community have faced significant personal losses, including trainers and jockeys who were forced to evacuate their homes. Among those affected is two-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Mario Gutiérrez, whose home was destroyed by the flames. Trainers Michael McCarthy, Phil D’Amato, Dan Blacker, and Tim Yakteen also had to leave their residences, though their families and properties were spared major damage.

The impact of the fire extended beyond the racetrack, with evacuations affecting over 153,000 people and leading to the cancellation of all training activities at Santa Anita on Wednesday. In response, the track offered to relocate horses to other facilities if trainers chose to evacuate voluntarily. Track management has been praised for keeping everyone informed throughout the crisis, with the fire marshal providing regular updates. As conditions improve, there is a growing sense that normalcy may soon return to the racing world at Santa Anita.

Despite the challenges posed by the fire, the resilience of the Santa Anita community has been evident. While the road to recovery will be long for many, the track's ability to resume operations signals a positive step forward. The upcoming races, including five stakes set for Saturday, serve as a testament to the determination of both organizers and participants to carry on amidst adversity. As the region continues to recover from the devastation, the spirit of the racing community remains strong.