Santa Anita Park closes amid coronavirus fears, races to continue

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ARCADIA, Calif. - Santa Anita Park closed to the public today in response to Gov. Newsom's guidance regarding public gatherings in light of the coronavirus threat, according to a spokesman for the Stronach Group, which operates the Arcadia-based racetrack.

Races will continue, however, with "the personnel necessary to ensure the safety of the horses and the integrity of the sport," Aidan Butler, acting executive director of California Operations, said in a written statement.

The park is also closed for simulcast wagering and morning workouts, including Santa Anita's Clocker's Corner and tram tours, according to the statement.

(FOX 11)

"We will continue to monitor the situation and will look forward to welcoming our fans and guests back soon," the statement concluded.

The park has garnered controversy in recent years after numerous horse deaths at the track. The park did not address any of its recent horse deaths in the statement.

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FOX 11's Kelli Johnson contributed to this report.