Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
SANTA ANITA CLOSED IN 1909 AND REOPENED IN 1934. WHAT TWO FACTORS WERE MAJOR REASONS FOR ITS REOPENING?
12/28/2018
Santa Anita Racetrack with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background is considered by many to be the most beautiful racetrack in the country. It has an interesting history. It began as a ranch with an adjacent racetrack circa 1904. After six years of hosting races Santa Anita closed in 1909. Three years later, a fire destroyed the entire track. With, limited revenue options for rebuilding the track it remained shuttered for the next 23 years. Following what appeared to be intense lobbying, the state of California legalized pari-mutual wagering. Not surprisingly, Santa Anita opened in 1934 in its current location. It has a proud history of hosting the Breeders’ Cup nine times, tying it with Churchill Downs that hosted it this year. When it returns to Santa Anita in 2019 it will hold the new record at 10.