Debate at Santa Anita about track conditions and dead horses

The debate about the synthetic track at Santa Anita -- where five horses have broken down recently, with three having to be euthanized -- is intensifying, according to the Pasadena Star-News. Some trainers say they are shocked by the condition of the track and that they want it replaced with dirt:

A large contingent of Southland trainers, both for and against synthetic tracks, are scheduled to meet this morning to discuss their concerns about the rash of breakdowns over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface during the first nine days of the winter-spring meet. ...

Five horses have broken down over Santa Anita's synthetic Pro-Ride surface since the meet began Dec. 26, and three had to be euthanized. The eventual fate of a fourth, the talented filly Indyanne, will not be known for several months after she fractured her left front sesamoid in the La Brea Stakes on Dec. 27 and efforts were begun to save her.

--Shelby Grad

Photo: Lethal Heat, second from left, proved she could handle the synthetic track and became a graded stakes winner in her third race in less than a month. Credit:  Benoit Photo / Lethal Heat