Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:285 W Huntington Dr
Arcadia, California
Our Sports Superfan Says:
With its location in sunny southern California, it is no surprise that Santa Anita Park has the best winter horse racing in the United States. It is also the oldest racetrack in Southern California, opening in 1934. With the Santa Anita Derby in the spring, the Santa Anita Handicap in the winter, half of the Sunshine Millions races, and three more Grade I stakes races in the fall's Oak Tree Racing Association Meet, there is always plenty of top-quality racing to be found at Santa Anita.
The track's best-known race is probably the Santa Anita Derby, a Grade I race held in April for three-year-old thoroughbreds. It is a main lead-up race to May's Kentucky Derby, with horses' performance at Santa Anita a big handicapper for the "Run for the Roses." As of 2007, six Santa Anita winners have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby. In addition to the Santa Anita Derby, the track hosts 12 other Grade I races. In the fall, the non-profit Oak Tree Racing Association, whose races are considered as good as any in the country, has its meet. In the winter, the $1,000,000 Santa Anita Handicap is the jewel of winter racing in the country, and possibly the world.
Located in Arcadia, California, about 15 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Anita Park has had a storied history. It was one of the first tracks to use starting gates and photo finishes on all races. It saw famed horse Seabiscuit's last race, which he won. In World War II, racing was shut down while the track was used as an interment camp for Japanese. The 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles held its equestrian competition here. With its proximity to L.A., it should hardly surprise you to learn that many Hollywood stars have owned, and ran, horses at Santa Anita Park.
Santa Anita Park opens on December 26, and hosts races through the winter and spring until April 20. Later in the year, the Oak Tree Meet takes place from late September to early November. Tours by tram are available at 8:30 and 9:45 on Saturday and Sunday mornings during race season. The track is only accessible by car, but there is plenty of parking available.