A distinguished team of equine veterinarians will be present at Santa Anita Park for the 2025-26 racing season, beginning on Friday, December 26, the opening day of the Classic. Seven veterinarians, led by Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer of 1/ST Racing, Santa Anita’s parent company, will manage all aspects of horse training and racing at the park.
Santa Anita’s racing schedule will include 78 days, starting with the Classic Meet and concluding with the Hollywood Meet on June 14. In addition to live races, the park remains one of the nation’s largest training centers, hosting around 375,000 training sessions annually.
Supporting Dr. Benson are Dr. Laurie Bohannon, senior associate veterinarian; Dr. Nolton Patio, the California Horse Racing Commission-appointed official veterinarian; and Association Veterinarians Dr. Jay Delherry, Dr. Tim Grande, Dr. Fernanda Machado, and Dr. Michael Pirone.
Dr. Benson highlighted that the veterinary team comprises experts with extensive equine medicine experience and specialized training beyond veterinary school. Their expertise includes equine surgery, farriery, biosecurity, and animal welfare, significantly enhancing horse safety and well-being at Santa Anita.
The team’s responsibilities include conducting medical exams for all race entrants and horses scheduled for high-speed training exercises. Dr. Benson emphasized their commitment to maintaining industry-leading safety standards.
Santa Anita also features a cutting-edge equine medical clinic near the stables to assist with diagnosis and recovery. Recent upgrades include a pioneering standing equine PET scan machine and a standing MRI machine, broadening diagnostic possibilities for owners and trainers.
For more details about the 2025-26 racing season and ticket packages available for the Classic Meet’s opening weekend, visit santaanita.com.
Fan Take: This announcement is significant for horse racing enthusiasts as it underscores Santa Anita’s commitment to top-tier veterinary care and horse safety, which is crucial for the sport’s future. With cutting-edge medical technology and expert veterinary staff, Santa Anita sets a high standard that can enhance horse welfare and potentially attract more fans and participants to racing.
