Photo by Cal Montney, Los Angeles Times – CC BY 4.0
Horse racing remains a beloved pastime in Los Angeles, where year-round warm weather and picturesque tracks make it a favorite destination for racing enthusiasts. From the sandy beaches of del Mar to the iconic Santa Anita Park, California offers some of the most breathtaking venues for horse racing in the country.
The excitement is set to continue in 2025, as the Breeders’ Cup returns to California for the third consecutive year. This prestigious event draws fans from across the globe, showcasing the best of the sport. But where are the top spots to catch live horse racing action in and around Los Angeles?
Del Mar: Where the turf meets the Surf
Nestled in the coastal city of San Diego, Del Mar Race Track is one of North America’s most scenic and historic racing venues. As its opening in 1937, Del Mar has earned its reputation as a premier destination for horse racing. According to TwinSpires.com,the track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup multiple times,including in 2024,and will do so again in 2025.
Known for its slogan, “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” Del Mar boasts a star-studded history. The track was originally built by a partnership that included Hollywood legends Pat O’Brien,bing Crosby,and Gary Cooper.Racing season at Del Mar runs from July to September, with an additional meet added in November as 2014.
Del Mar’s annual racing calendar features six Grade One races, including the prestigious Pacific Classic. Held over 1 1/4 miles on the dirt, this race offers a $1 million purse and an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. first awarded Grade One status in 1993, the Pacific Classic has seen legendary winners such as California Chrome, Flightline, and Beholder.
Hollywood Park: A Legacy of Racing Excellence
Once a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ horse racing scene, Hollywood Park Racetrack closed its doors in December 2013. However, its legacy lives on as a symbol of the sport’s rich history in the region. Today, the site is home to the world-renowned SoFi Stadium, but the casino remains, preserving a piece of Hollywood Park’s storied past.
Opened in June 1938, Hollywood park was founded by a group of Hollywood elites, including Jack Warner, chairman of Warner Bros. film studio. Over the years, the track hosted some of the most prestigious races in the region, such as the Hollywood Derby, American Oaks, and G1 Matriarch Stakes.
Perhaps the most iconic race at Hollywood Park was the Hollywood Gold Cup. Held annually from 1938 to 2013, this race featured legendary winners like Cigar, Ferdinand, and Seabiscuit, cementing its place in horse racing history.
Santa Anita Park: The Crown Jewel of California Racing
No discussion of California horse racing would be complete without mentioning Santa Anita Park. Located in Arcadia, this iconic track is a must-visit for racing fans worldwide. Opened on Christmas Day in 1934, Santa Anita has hosted the Breeders’ Cup an remarkable eleven times and served as the venue for equestrian events during the 1984 Los Angeles olympics.
Santa Anita’s annual schedule includes over 30 graded races, with several Grade One events drawing top competitors. The track’s rich history and stunning backdrop make it a favorite among both casual fans and seasoned bettors.
Whether you’re a lifelong racing enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, these iconic venues offer a glimpse into the heart of horse racing in Los Angeles. From the sun-soaked beaches of Del Mar to the storied grounds of Santa Anita, there’s no shortage of excitement on the tracks.
Santa Anita Park, a legendary racetrack nestled in the heart of arcadia, California, has long been a cornerstone of American horse racing.Known for hosting some of the most prestigious Grade 1 races in the country, Santa Anita boasts an impressive lineup of events that draw both seasoned fans and newcomers to its iconic dirt track.
A Legacy of Racing Excellence
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Among the track’s 13 Grade 1 races, the American Pharoah Stakes, Awesome Again Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby stand out as crown jewels.Though, the most storied event at Santa Anita is the Santa Anita Handicap, a race that first graced the track in 1935. This prestigious event, contested over a distance of 1 1/4 miles on the dirt, holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts.
The Santa Anita Handicap has seen its share of legendary horses. Seabiscuit, one of the most celebrated racehorses in history, finished second in the race in both 1937 and 1938 before finally claiming victory in 1940. Other notable winners include Ack Ack, Lucky Debonair, and Affirmed, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
A Gateway to the Kentucky Derby
Santa Anita’s influence extends beyond its local races. The Santa Anita derby,held annually,serves as a critical stepping stone for three-year-olds aiming to compete in the Kentucky Derby,the first leg of the Triple Crown. Since its inception, ten winners of the Santa Anita Derby have gone on to claim victory in the Kentucky Derby, while seven horses that finished as runners-up in the California race have also triumphed in Louisville.
The most recent example of this success is Justify, who won both the Santa Anita Derby and the Kentucky Derby in 2018. Justify’s impressive performance didn’t stop there; he went on to win the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, completing the Triple Crown sweep and solidifying his place in racing history.
A Track with a Timeless Appeal
Santa Anita Park’s rich history and continued relevance make it a must-visit destination for horse racing fans across the United States.Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual observer,the track’s blend of tradition and excitement ensures an unforgettable experience for all.
As the racing season kicks off, Santa Anita continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling races and storied past. For those in the U.S. looking to experience the excitement of horse racing firsthand,there’s no better place than Santa Anita Park.
“Santa Anita has always been a special place for me,” said one longtime racing fan. “The history, the atmosphere, and the quality of horses make it a unique experience every time.”
Whether you’re cheering for the next Seabiscuit or Justify, Santa Anita Park promises an unforgettable day at the races.
Exploring the Timeless Allure of Santa Anita Park: An Interview with Horse Racing Expert Dr. John Thompson
Santa Anita Park, with its rich history and iconic status in the world of horse racing, continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling races and storied past. As the racing season kicks off, we sat down with Dr. John Thompson,a renowned horse racing historian and specialist,to discuss the timeless appeal of Santa Anita Park and its importance in the sport.
The Legacy of Santa Anita Park
Senior Editor: Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us today. Santa Anita Park has a history that spans nearly a century. Can you tell us a bit about its origins and how it became such a significant venue in horse racing?
Dr. John Thompson: Absolutely. Santa Anita Park opened its doors on Christmas Day in 1934,and it was an instant hit. The track was designed by noted architect Gordon Kaufmann, who also designed the Hollywood Palladium and the Los Angeles Times building. From the very beginning, Santa Anita was envisioned as a world-class venue, and it quickly became a favourite among both fans and horsemen.
The park’s location in Arcadia, with its picturesque backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, added to its allure. Over the years, Santa Anita has hosted some of the most prestigious races in the sport, including the breeders’ Cup an impressive eleven times. It’s truly the crown jewel of California racing.
The Blend of Tradition and Excitement
Senior Editor: You mentioned the Breeders’ cup. How does Santa Anita manage to maintain its relevance and excitement year after year?
Dr. John Thompson: Santa Anita’s success lies in its ability to blend tradition with modern excitement.The park has a rich history that resonates with longtime fans, but it also embraces innovation. Such as, the introduction of advanced betting technologies and interactive experiences has made the track appealing to a new generation of racing enthusiasts.
Additionally, the quality of horses that compete at Santa Anita is unparalleled. Races like the Santa Anita Derby and the Malibu stakes attract top-tier competitors, ensuring that every race day is filled with thrilling moments. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual observer, there’s always something to get excited about at Santa Anita.
The Impact on Horse Racing Culture
Senior Editor: Santa Anita Park has been home to legendary horses like Seabiscuit and Justify. How has the park influenced the culture of horse racing in the United States?
Dr. John Thompson: Santa Anita has had a profound impact on the culture of horse racing.The park has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history. Seabiscuit’s famous match race against War Admiral in 1938 captivated the nation and helped elevate horse racing to new heights of popularity.
More recently, horses like Justify have continued to build on that legacy. Justify’s victory at Santa Anita in the Santa Anita Derby paved the way for his Triple Crown win, inspiring a new wave of fans. The park’s ability to produce and showcase champions has solidified its place as a cornerstone of American horse racing culture.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Senior Editor: As we look to the future, what do you see for Santa Anita Park and its role in the sport?
Dr. John Thompson: The future of Santa Anita Park is shining. The park continues to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of the sport while preserving its rich history.Upcoming events like the Breeders’ Cup in 2025 will once again put Santa anita in the global spotlight, showcasing its enduring appeal.
I also believe that Santa Anita has a crucial role to play in inspiring the next generation of racing fans. By offering family-amiable experiences and educational programs, the park can definitely help cultivate a new wave of enthusiasts who will carry the torch for years to come.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. Santa Anita Park truly is a timeless destination for horse racing fans, and we look forward to seeing its continued impact on the sport.
Dr. John Thompson: It’s been my pleasure. Santa Anita Park is more than just a racetrack; it’s a symbol of the enduring spirit of horse racing. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this iconic venue.
