Santa Anita to cut purses by 10 percent October 22nd, 2009
A downturn in wagering as a result of the sluggish economy is forcing Santa Anita to slash its overnight purses by 10 percent at the Oak Tree meeting.
The reductions take effect Saturday.
Track officials said Wednesday that through the first 16 days of racing, Oak Trees overall pari-mutuel wagering was down 12 percent compared to last year.
The meeting began Sept. 30 and runs through Nov. 8, including the Breeders Cup world championships on Nov. 6 and 7, the two richest days in thoroughbred racing.
Oak Tree director Sherwood Chillingworth said unemployment in Los Angeles County is near 13 percent, which has negatively affected wagering.