Santa Anita Horseracing
Located in the heart of Arcadia, California, against the majestic backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Anita Park is an enduring landmark of American Thoroughbred racing. Just a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, this 320-acre masterpiece of Art Deco architecture is widely considered one of the premier sporting venues in the world.
Santa Anita is the pulse of West Coast racing, hosting two major annual meetings:
- The Winter/Spring Meet: A storied tradition that begins every December 26 and runs through mid-June, featuring the most prestigious "Road to the Kentucky Derby" events.
- The Autumn Meet: Traditionally held from late September through early November, this season serves as a critical final proving ground for the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
Since its inception, the park has been designed to impress. Its iconic 1,100-foot-long Grandstand - painted in signature "Santa Anita Blue" - provides seating for 26,000 guests, while the expansive lush Infield welcomes many thousands more for a unique, family-friendly viewing experience.
Behind the scenes, Santa Anita is a self-contained city dedicated to equine excellence. The stable area includes:
- 61 Barns: Capable of housing more than 2,000 elite Thoroughbreds.
- Equine Medical Center: A world-class hospital ensuring the highest standards of safety and care for the athletes.
- Santa Anita Park opened its doors on Christmas Day, 1934, it changed the sport forever. On that inaugural day, 30,777 fans gathered to witness the birth of a new era in racing.
- The $100,000 Race: In 1935, the track hosted the first-ever Santa Anita Handicap. Offering a then-unheard-of $100,000 purse, it was the richest race in America and instantly solidified Santa Anita's status on the international stage.
- The Seabiscuit Story: The park was the home of the legendary Seabiscuit, the "People's Champion," who capped his historic career with a triumphant win in the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap.
- Olympic Excellence: In 1984, the eyes of the world were on Santa Anita as it hosted the equestrian events for the Summer Olympics, drawing more than 200,000 international spectators.
Today, Santa Anita Park continues to blend its historic Art Deco charm with modern luxury. From fine dining at the FrontRunner restaurant to casual picnics in the Infield, it remains a "must-visit" destination for sports fans, history buffs, and travelers alike.
Notable Santa Anita Park Records
- $45.2 Billion Total Handle: Since Opening Day 1934, patrons have wagered a cumulative total of over $45.2 billion at the track.
- 125 Million Visitors: Approximately 125 million people have passed through the doors of Santa Anita since 1934.
- $36,264,799 Wagering Record: The all-time record for the most money bet in a single day, set on November 6, 1993.
- $28.5 Million in Community Impact: Since its founding, the Santa Anita Foundation has contributed over $28.5 million to various charitable and benevolent organizations.
- 99.98% Equine Safety Mark: Santa Anita currently holds the highest safety rating of any major North American racetrack. This 2025 milestone reflects the track's rigorous commitment to modern veterinary standards and athlete protection.
- 85,527 Record Attendance: On March 3, 1985, Santa Anita saw its largest-ever live audience. Over 85,000 spectators gathered for the "Big 'Cap," setting a single-day attendance record that highlights the enduring prestige of this historic venue.
Santa Anita Park hosts some of the most prominent stakes events including the San Pasqual Handicap, Monrovia Handicap, Santa Ysabel Stakes, Santa Catalina Stakes and many more.