Calif. Gov. Calls On Santa Anita Park To Suspend Horse Races

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA -- In the wake of two deaths at the Santa Anita racetrack last weekend, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling for the California Horse Racing Board not allow horses to race until they are "examined by independent veterinarians" and have been found fit to compete.

``I continue to be troubled by the horse deaths at Santa Anita Park,'' Newsom said. ``Enough is enough. I am calling on the California Horse Racing Board to ensure that no horse races until they are examined by independent veterinarians and found fit to compete."

The governor issued the statement two days after the 3-year-old filly Truffalino collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack on the track Sunday, the Daily Racing Form reported. The fatality was the 29th since the track opened for the season on Dec. 26.

The day before, another horse, Formal Dude was euthanized Saturday after suffering an injury during that day's 10th race. The deaths were the 28th and 29th at the park since Dec. 26.

Thus far, however, track management has resisted outside calls for racing to be suspended, according to California Horse Racing Board.

Under current state law, the California Horse Racing Board doesn't have the authority to suspend a race meet or remove race dates from a current race meet without the approval of the race track operator or without holding a public meeting with ten days public notice.

Racing was suspended at the track for most of March while examinations were conducted on the track. Races resumed April 4 after the state horse racing board approved a series of safety measures, and Santa Anita officials announced a series of new measures to help bolster the safety of horses at the track, including restrictions on certain medications, requiring trainers to get permission in advance before putting a horse through a workout and investing in diagnostic equipment to aid in the early detection of pre-existing conditions.

City News Service contributed to this report.