| OAK TREE RACECOURSE |
| Oak Tree Racing is situated in South California and is run by the Oak Tree Racing Association. It was an Association that was formed in 1968 when Dr Jack Robbins founded it after being unhappy with decisions made at their previous home of Del Mar. They made the inspired decision not to build their own racecourse but to rent the superby Santa Anita Park racecourse. The Association has hosted the Breeder's Cup on four separate occasions, starting in 1986 and most recently in 2008. |
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The main race, the Oak Tree Stakes, was won on its first occasion in 1969 by Keck's Tell ridden by Bill Shoemaker. In 1986 nearly 70000 witnessed their first Breeder's Cup won by Smile.
The Oak Tree Derby, over 9 furlongs, was first contested in 1969 when known as the Volante Handicap after the famous 1885 American Derby winner. It became the Oak Tree Derby in 1997 when won by the Alex Solis ridden Lasting Approval. More recently in 2011 it was won by Ultimate Eagle ridden by Martin Pedroza when held at Santa Anita.
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Other principal races are the Yellow Ribbon Stakes and the Ancient Title Breeder's Cup Handicap. The Oak Tree Mile Stakes was first run in 1986 and is also known as the Arroyo Seco Mile Stakes. In 2012 the Irish horse Obviously was ridden to victory by Joseph Talamo. |
By 1992 they were hosting the Breeder's Cup again and it was won by Arcangues watched by nearly 90000 people, with it returning again in 2008, with badges shown below.
The Association also organises the Oak Leaf Stakes, now known as the Chandelier Stakes. It was first contested in 1969 over 8.5 furlongs. In 2012 it was won by Executiveprivilege partnered by Rafael Bejarano. I am grateful to our American Racing Correspondent Richard Gauthier for the array of badges from his vast collection which are shown below. |
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| If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnwslusar@gmail.com |
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