21 Santa Anita horse deaths since December are under study by the state

ARCADIA, Calif. (FOX 11) - It has been a very difficult few weeks at Santa Anita racetrack. Since December 21 horses have died or been put to sleep.

It is as some of the horse racing industry of sad and alarming cluster of gas in a very short period of time. Last week testing was done on the track in the form of removing dirt, silt, and clay down to the surface, and checking the evenness of the floor of the track.

Tim Ritvo is the chief operating officer of the track. Next Thursday he will be in San Francisco facing the California horse racing four to discuss the Dess, the changes that have been instituted, and whether they can go forward with the season to begin the next day on March 22.

The executive director of CHRB says it's hard to talk about horses that have died, but adds safety of the horses is the most important thing they can do.

There have been years with high numbers of horse deaths. At Santa Anita Park, figures from the state show…

In 2017 and 2018 there were 44 horse deaths.

In 2016 and 2017 there were 10 deaths.

In 2015 and 2016 there were 62 deaths.

In 2014 and 2015 there were seven deaths

In 2013 and 2014 there were 52 deaths.

The current cluster of 21 since December has been alarming. It is why what's going on at Santa Anita racetrack will be front and center at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco Thursday, March 21, 2019, when the California horseracing board meets.

If they're happy with the way things have improved dad this season is likely to begin on March 22, according to Santa Anita officials. However, the board could choose to delay the season depending on what is discussed.