Growing up in the area, I knew Santa Anita Park as some faded green structure with large parking lots where they race horses next to the mall. In more recent years, it also became that place that would host random events like the 626 Night Market. So it wasn’t until Paul M. gave me tickets to see a real horse race that I actually went to experience the park for its original purpose.
Santa Anita Park is one of the oldest and prestigious thoroughbred racing grounds on the West Coast. The Santa Anita Derby, specifically, is considered a precursor to next month’s Kentucky Derby.
Walking in during the Derby for the first time is like entering a completely different world. It was so much so, that my boyfriend felt compelled to liken it to Disneyland. Perhaps it was the art deco styling, the manicured horse-shaped shrubs, and the fantastic, sunny Southern California weather, but it truly felt surreal. There was a great range in socioeconomic status, comprising mostly of whites and Hispanics, which is more unusual nowadays in Arcadia (sometimes jokingly referred to as “Arcasia” because of its large Asian population). There were even women wearing fascinators, a rare fashion accessory to see in this part of the world. Food trucks scattered the inner field as crowds of bettors and onlookers awaited each race.
Fun Fact: During the 1930s, Seabiscuit was a famed and surprising champion horse at Santa Anita. A book and subsequent movie were created, the latter starring Tobey Maguire. Gary Stevens (pictured above) played George Woolf in the movie and is actually a real, award-winning jockey himself.
California Chrome was the projected favorite to win for this race. As the horses reached the last turn of the track, the crowd started to roar with excitement and California Chrome charged ahead. Soon, cheers were heard all around, as the three-year-old horse literally left the others in the dust, winning the million dollar purse. With such an explosive strength and stamina, this horse has also turned into a favored choice for the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
Though I did not bet (I have no gambling luck and know little about horse racing statistics), the race was a gratifying experience. I am grateful for the perfect weather, the better understanding of horses and derbies, and especially for Paul for the tickets. Sometimes, strangers can offer new and unexpected perspectives, and I am thankful that this was a great one.