| SANTA ANITA RACECOURSE |
Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California first opened its gates to racegoers on 25th December 1934 although a racecourse had existed on the present site since the early 1800's. That early racecourse closed in 1933 and Santa Anita Park replaced it, run by the Los Angeles Turf Club.
I am grateful to our American Racing Correspondent Richard Gauthier for the trio of badges from 2003 shown below, and the 2009 set.
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| Its principal Group One races are the Santa Anita Handicap,
the Santa Anita Derby and the packed programme of quality races on Sunshine Millions Day.
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| The Handicap is run each March over 10
furlongs and was first run in 1935 when George Woolf rode Azucar to victory. Recently the 2008 winner was the Rafael Bejarno ridden HeatSeeker. The two years prior to that victory the race was won consecutively by Lava Man in 2006 and 2007. The most recent winner in 2012 was Ron the Greek ridden by Jose Lezcano.
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| The Derby is a 9 furlong race for 3 year olds and is run in
April. It was first run in 1935 when won by Gillie. The 2008 winner was the Corey Nakatani
ridden Colonel John. The most recent winner in 2012 was I'll Have Another ridden by Mario Gutierrez,
Santa Anita had the honour of hosting the 1986 Breeders Cup. They also hosted it in 1993, 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2012. Use the link to research Cup history. The 2012 badges are shown below, courtesy of Richard Gauthier.
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| Shown below are a collection of Press badges from Richard Gauthier's magnificent collection. |
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| The Oaks San Juan Capistrano badges, Official badges and Press badges are part of the extensive collection of our American Racing Correspondent Richard Gauthier. |
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In 2014 Santa Anita had the honour of hosting the Breeders Cup meeting. It was the eighth time it had held the meeting and the third consecutive time. The meeting moves to Keeneland in 2015.
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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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