ARCADIA, Calif. — Racing is underway at Santa Anita for the first time since it was stopped nearly a month ago following the deaths of 22 horses.
Discrete Stevie B, the 8-5 favorite, won the first race on the main dirt track Friday under jockey Tiago Pereira.
The race was the first at the Arcadia, California, track since March 3. The main dirt surface was inspected and renovated during the nearly monthlong shutdown that followed the deaths of 22 horses since the winter meet began on Dec. 26.
The card includes eight races that are being closely watched by the racing industry and the general public concerned about the safety of the horses.
The biggest change in place Friday is an immediate reduction in the allowable dosage of the anti-bleeding medication known as Lasix.
A proposed rule limiting the use of a whip during races still needs approval by the California Horse Racing Board as well as a legal review by the state government.