A lawsuit against Santa Anita executives, filed by former publicity director Mike Willman, accuses the track of a conspiracy to mislead investigators about a 2019 horse fatality crisis. The suit alleges that Santa Anita directed Willman to confuse the public regarding the deaths of 37 horses, which drew national attention. After Willman refused to participate in the alleged deception, he was terminated, prompting claims of retaliation, age discrimination, and defamation. The legal action suggests a broader issue of accountability within the racing establishment linked to pressures on trainers and horses.
A lawsuit filed by former Santa Anita publicity director Mike Willman claims executives at the track conspired to blame trainers for the 2019 horse fatalities.
The lawsuit alleges Santa Anita instructed Willman to mislead investigators about horse deaths, asserting retaliation and wrongful termination after Willman refused.
In 2019, Santa Anita faced outrage after 37 horse deaths, with officials citing various factors without addressing a history of pressures from racing management.
Attorneys argue Santa Anita's strategy aimed to undermine Willman's credibility to obscure the truth behind the horse fatality crisis.
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