Workers at Santa Anita Worried for Their Livelihoods

Workers at Santa Anita Park Thursday morning for the press conference. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

By Fabiola Diaz

More than 500 Santa Anita backstretch workers and jockeys held a press conference Thursday morning to raise awareness about the people who take care of the horses.

Workers are worried about their jobs and want people to know that their livelihoods depend on Santa Anita staying open and succeeding. One sign read, “Horses are our lives.”

More details to follow as they become available. Another attendee’s sign read, “We love horses.”

Read More: Santa Anita, CHRB Agree To Enhanced Safety Review Of Horses

One 35-year employee of the track, speaking in Spanish, shared that if Santa Anita closes he will not have any means of paying for his rent.

This press conference comes at the heels of mounting public and political pressure for the track to close indefinitely following the increasing number of equine deaths at Santa Anita Park. Earlier this month both Senator Feinstein and Governor Newsom called for Santa Anita to close.

Read More: Feinstein To Santa Anita Owners: ‘Suspend Racing Immediately’

Check back for details as this story develops.

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