Santa Anita Park, located in Arcadia, California, is one of the most beautiful and prestigious racetracks in the world. Opened in 1934 at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, it is nicknamed “The Great Race Place.” Santa Anita is home to some of the most important races in the United States, including multiple editions of the Breeders’ Cup. Its rich history and breathtaking backdrop make it a crown jewel of Thoroughbred racing.
Santa Anita Park Track Details
- Surfaces: One-mile dirt oval, 0.9-mile turf course with unique downhill chute.
- Configuration: Known for its long homestretch and distinctive turf course crossing the dirt track.
- Facilities: Grandstand, luxury suites, infield picnic areas, and historic art deco architecture.
Santa Anita Park Featured Races & Events
- Santa Anita Derby (G1): Major Kentucky Derby prep race producing numerous winners.
- Santa Anita Handicap (G1): Historic 1¼-mile race for older horses, famously won by Seabiscuit.
- Breeders’ Cup World Championships: Hosted a record number of editions, including in 1986, 1993, 2003, 2008–09, 2012–14, 2016, 2019, and 2023.
- Malibu Stakes (G1): Prestigious sprint for newly turned 3-year-olds each December.
- Notable Champions: Seabiscuit, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Zenyatta, American Pharoah, and Flightline.
Santa Anita Park Horses & Race Types
Santa Anita Park hosts Thoroughbred flat racing only.
- Distances: From turf sprints down the hillside chute to classic 1¼-mile races.
- Divisions: Juvenile preps, Triple Crown trail races, handicap division, turf stakes, and Breeders’ Cup championship events.
Santa Anita Park History & Legacy
- Founded: 1934 by Dr. Charles H. Strub
- Milestones: Among the first racetracks with pari-mutuel betting; became a hub of Hollywood glamour during its golden age.
- Historic Moments: Seabiscuit’s 1940 Santa Anita Handicap victory; Zenyatta’s legendary wins; hosting multiple Breeders’ Cups that shaped modern racing history.
- Legacy: Continues as a vital West Coast racing center and a premier venue for championship-caliber horses.
Santa Anita Park Odds & Betting
Santa Anita Park betting odds attract strong national and international interest.
- Daily Santa Anita odds: Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 4, Pick 5, Pick 6.
- Santa Anita Derby and Breeders’ Cup odds produce some of the largest betting pools in North America.
- Available at the track, simulcast outlets, and online sportsbooks such as BetUS .
Santa Anita Park Records & Stats
- Fastest Santa Anita Derby: Lucky Debonair (1965) – 1:47.00 for 1⅛ miles.
- Santa Anita Handicap record: Affirmed (1979) – 1:58.20 for 1¼ miles.
- Breeders’ Cup Milestone: Hosted the Breeders’ Cup a record 11 times and counting.
- Attendance Record: Over 85,000 during Breeders’ Cup events.
