
Alan French
In the days leading up to the 77th Santa Anita Handicap, the race seemed to generate a throwback feel well before the horses even stepped onto the track.
Legends
Posted February 24th, 2025 ·
More Than Slew’s First Conqueror: Appreciating the Accomplishments of the Underrated J.O. Tobin
July 3, 1977. A crowd of more than 68,000 packed the Hollywood Park grandstand for an event not seen in more than a quarter of a century.
Legends
Posted December 9th, 2024 ·
Dominant at Del Mar: Bill Shoemaker’s Greatest Summer
On opening day of the 1954 Del Mar meet, a young rider named Bill Shoemaker was less than a month from turning 23 years old. Though still in the early chapter of what would become a storied career,...
Legends
Posted July 30th, 2024 ·
The Elite 11: Saluting the Winners of the Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby
For the better part of four decades, the number 11 held significance in the sport of Thoroughbred racing.
Legends
Posted April 22nd, 2024 ·
Six Memorable Runnings of the Malibu Stakes
The Malibu Stakes stands as the final Grade 1 race of the season, as well as a tremendous boost to opening day of the winter-spring meet at Santa Anita Park. Since its inception in 1952, the Malibu...
Legends
Posted December 21st, 2023 ·
1967 Del Mar Handicap: The End of an Era
A nine-race card awaited fans at Del Mar that Labor Day afternoon, Sept. 4, 1967, as the venue navigated through the second half of its summer meet. Over the course of those contests, a total of 86...
Legends
Posted September 4th, 2023 ·