Oak Tree at Santa Anita set for 2010

By: SPORTS NETWORK

 

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - The annual Oak Tree at Santa Anita racing meet has been confirmed for this year. The announcement came at Tuesday's meeting of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB).

The announcement put an end to speculation over the future of the Oak Tree meet. Santa Anita's parent company, Magna International Development (MID), voided the lease in May, which was originally scheduled to be good through 2016.

MID Chairman Frank Stronach agreed to a special one-year lease contract with Oak Tree that will allow the non-profit organization to operate this fall as originally scheduled.

"Mr. Stronach has generously changed his mind and allowed us to stay for another year," said Oak Tree Director and Executive Vice President Sherwood Chillingworth. "I think it's (new one-year lease) good for the industry and for all of us."

Opening day for the 2010 Oak Tree program will be Wednesday, September 29.

The Oak Tree at Santa Anita racing meet hosted the last two Breeders' Cup World Championships and also played host to the event in 1986, 1993 and 2003.