Track renovation upcoming at Santa Anita

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Historic Santa Anita Park will undergo a major renovation of its main track in July.

Track superintendent Dennis Moore said that the track will be made up of El Segundo Sand, ensuring proper drainage "during periods of wet weather and uniform, safe cushion year 'round."

"Beginning July 11, we're going to take out the existing surface and go down to the base of the track," said Moore. "At that point, we'll survey the existing base and ensure we're meeting all specifications relative to slope and grade."

The El Segundo Sand is being excavated from Los Angeles International Airport where construction projects are taking place.

"We're going to be moving 20,000-plus yards of material and we anticipate this process is going to take about four or five weeks," Moore continued. "We're very fortunate to have been able to locate this soil which is currently being excavated due to construction projects over at LAX. El Segundo Sand is naturally occurring and we won't have to mix it with any other material, which is best-case. The best surfaces around the country are all made of naturally occurring soils that are indigenous and not made by man."

Santa Anita's Spring Meet will end Thursday, June 29. Training will not be allowed from July 10 through the conclusion of Del Mar's 2014 season on Aug. 30 and 31.