The crowd on opening weekend. (Zoe Metz Photo)
First Week Of 90th Anniversary Season
Santa Anita Press Box
ARCADIA, Calif.—The quick pace established on the Opening Day of Santa Anita Park’s 90th anniversary season continued throughout opening weekend, as horse players pushed the all-sources handle to over $50.4 million on the 39 races offered through the first four days of the season.
Boosted by strong support from owners and trainers that led to an increase in field size from last year, the four days were headlined by the $21.4 million bet on Thursday, the third-highest on Opening Day in the track’s history, and the fourth time in the last seven years to top $20 million. In addition to betting, fans came out to the track to enjoy live racing in person, with nearly 62,000 on track over the four days.
Racing returns to Santa Anita this Wednesday for a special New Year’s Day program. The four-day race week continues next Friday through Sunday. Post time for all four days will be 12 p.m. PT
