Aaron Wellman, a lifelong Los Angeles resident familiar with Santa Anita Park, notes that the track’s opening dates vary each year. He describes the opening day as an “extended Christmas present” for horse racing enthusiasts, highlighting the quality of competition, prestigious races, and overall excitement that make it one of the most anticipated days in the racing calendar.
Typically held the day after Christmas, this year’s opening was delayed by two days due to heavy rain, marking the first postponement in seven years. Santa Anita’s “Classic Meet” opening week will now feature races on Sunday and Monday, with a break on Tuesday, followed by a full schedule from December 31 through January 4. The regular three-day racing weeks will commence on January 9, running through April 5, with races every Friday to Sunday plus special holiday events.
Despite the excitement of opening day, John Lind, a handicapper, owner, and radio co-host, points out that the enthusiasm often diminishes quickly due to challenges like declining horse populations, the rise of computer-based betting deterring fans, the absence of supplemental income sources such as historical horse racing machines, and a shortage of standout human and equine stars.
This season will feature several key storylines, including major stakes races during the opening days, such as the Malibu Stakes, La Brea Stakes, and American Oaks—all Grade 1 races. While top trainer Bob Baffert has multiple horses entered, including favorites like Nisos and Nevada Beach in the Grade 2 Lafitte Pinkay Junior Stakes, the opening day is relatively light on big-name competitors.
The prize money for Santa Anita’s graded stakes races is straightforward, with Grade 1 offering $300,000, Grade 2 $200,000, and Grade 3 $100,000. However, the Santa Anita Derby’s purse has decreased from previous years and now stands at $500,000, which is significantly lower than similar races in Florida, Arkansas, and Louisiana. This reduction, alongside the limited number of entrants, has impacted the race’s influence on Kentucky Derby qualifying points.
As Kentucky Derby preparations unfold, Bob Baffert remains a prominent figure in Southern California’s 3-year-old racing scene despite recent setbacks. Promising horses like Litmus Test and others have shown potential, though some hopefuls like Mr. AP are sidelined for a time. Jockeys such as Juan Hernandez, aiming for a record fifth consecutive riding title, and newcomers like Emisael Jaramillo are also key players this season.
Trainer Mark Glatt claimed his first Santa Anita training title last spring, breaking Phil D’Amato’s streak, while Baffert dominated stakes competition with an impressive number of wins.
This story, originally published by the Los Angeles Times, reflects both the enduring allure of Santa Anita Park and the challenges facing the sport today.
Fan Take: This news spotlighting Santa Anita’s winter meet opening day is vital for horse racing fans because it underscores both the thrill of the sport’s elite competition and the hurdles it must overcome, such as financial constraints and dwindling participants. How these issues are addressed could shape the future vibrancy and appeal of horse racing in California and beyond.
