ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Santa Anita’s newly renovated main track will reopen for training on Sept. 2, three weeks before the autumn meet begins.

The one-mile track has been closed to training since July 11 while its original sand and clay mix was replaced by a single-source natural material known as El Segundo sand.

New track superintendent Dennis Moore says the indigenous soil will help ensure balanced drainage during wet weather and a uniform, safe cushion year-round.

He says about 21,000 yards of material were removed and installed, and he’s pleased with how the sand is settling in.

The 24-day meet begins Sept. 26 and runs through Nov. 2, highlighted by the Breeders’ Cup world championships for the third consecutive year.

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