Santa Anita Racetrack Cleared in Racehorse Death Investigation

Munger, Tolles & Olson represented Santa Anita Racetrack in an investigation following several equine fatalities at the venue. A report released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney on Dec. 19, 2019 found no evidence of animal cruelty or criminal wrongdoing.

The District Attorney’s report also found that “enhanced safety efforts at Santa Anita Park have reduced the number of fatal racing and training incidents” and that the “[t]he industry as a whole should strive to do everything in its power to achieve these model numbers and continue to trend towards improved safety standards.”

Following the release of the report, racetrack operator The Stronach Group said, “[W]e are gratified that the District Attorney’s report into the conduct and conditions at Santa Anita Park found no evidence of misconduct.” The findings of the investigation were widely covered in the press, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and CNN.

Santa Anita Racetrack was represented by Luis Li, Lisa J. Demsky, Trevor N. Templeton and Shannon Galvin Aminirad.