A Historic Track Offers the Best in Thoroughbred Racing

Considered by many to be the most beautiful racetrack in the world, Santa Anita has been a favorite destination for thoroughbred racing fans since 1934. At that time, it was known as the Los Angeles Turf Club and was co-founded by two groups of investors, one from San Francisco and one from Los Angeles. The track itself is located in Arcadia, California, in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains. The interest in opening racetracks ballooned when the Golden State legalized the system of pari-mutuel betting in 1933.

All Dressed Up

Architect Gordon Kaufmann combined Colonial Revival design with an art deco look known as Streamline Moderne. Used for the grandstand design, this style features long horizontal lines and sweeping curves that give the impression of motion. Kaufmann’s Persian Green and Chiffon Yellow became the racetrack’s signature colors.

Legendary Races

Races are held in the winter and spring and include the Santa Anita Handicap, first run in 1935 with a $100,000 purse. Another race, the Santa Anita Derby, was famously won in 1958 by Silky Sullivan who came from 28 lengths off the pace to win handily. Santa Anita has often been the site of the Breeder’s Cup and will host the race once again this November.

Famous People, Famous Horses

Inside the facility, fans can view statues of celebrated jockeys—Johnny Longden, Bill Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay, Jr., and others—and they are joined by statues of famous horses, such as Seabiscuit, winner of the Santa Anita Handicap in 1940, his last start. Buried in the paddock garden is the Emperor of Norfolk and three other thoroughbreds that had distinguished racing careers. Due to its proximity to Hollywood, Santa Anita has always attracted movie stars, and among those who owned horses that raced at the track were Bing Crosby, Errol Flynn, Spencer Tracy and MGM co-founder Louis B. Mayer. The racetrack has also been a favorite location for filming: The Marx Brothers starred in the 1937 classic "A Day at the Races," and in 1949, Shirley Temple appeared in "The Story of Seabiscuit."

Going to the Races Online

Fans who want to take in a race or two at Santa Anita, but aren’t anywhere near southern California, can watch and wager online through a membership service offered by the Daily Racing Form. Membership has certain restrictions as to residency and age. However, racing fans who meet the requirements can become account holders and take advantage of a legal, secure, licensed and U.S.-based wagering platform.

Wagering at the Track

If you are able to visit the racetrack, you can wager using the same methodology. Funds can be deposited directly into your personal account. Money can also be transferred through the use of credit or debit cards, personal or certified checks, wire transfers or through various other means. It is a treat to be able to watch racing in person at Santa Anita, but because of modern technology, you can be halfway around the world and still enjoy the thrill of horseracing at this storied track. Bing and Errol would have loved it.For more information visit https://www.drf.com/

Taryn Johnson is an avid writer. She loves all things about electronics and marketing. In a perfect world, Taryn would be writing from the beaches of Hawaii all day long.