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Los Angeles Horse Racing Venues: Location Guide

Horse racing, a widely favorite sporting event in Los Angeles, consistently draws crowds due to its year-round warm climates. Daily betting activities are commonplace in the city, with picturesque race tracks scattered across California. For horse racing enthusiasts keen on wagers, Los Angeles...

Los Angeles Horse Racing Venues: A Guide
Los Angeles Horse Racing Venues: A Guide

Los Angeles Horse Racing Venues: Location Guide

In the vibrant and diverse city of Los Angeles, horse racing isn't just limited to the well-known venues of Del Mar and Santa Anita. The region offers a variety of other notable locations for horse racing enthusiasts to enjoy.

One such location is Barretts at Fairplex in Pomona, California. While it's more renowned for its horse sales and events, Barretts Equine Limited occasionally hosts racing events and serves as a significant hub for the horse racing industry in the region.

For those interested in quarter horse racing, Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Track in Cypress, California, is a popular destination. This track is famous for its quarter horse racing and also hosts some Thoroughbred racing events.

Fairplex, located in Pomona and better known for its annual fair, also hosts occasional horse racing events during the Los Angeles County Fair. It's a historic location that brings horse racing to the community during specific events.

While these venues may not match the frequency or scale of racing events at Del Mar and Santa Anita, they offer unique horse racing experiences that are worth exploring.

Del Mar, situated in San Diego, is one of the most scenic locations for horse racing in North America. Known for its slogan 'Where the Turf Meets the Surf', Del Mar has a star-studded history, including being built by a partnership including Pat O'Brien, Bing Crosby, and Gary Cooper. The racetrack has been open for racing action since 1937 and hosts a second meet running in November, added in 2014.

Del Mar boasts six Grade Ones on its annual program, with the Pacific Classic being the standout. This race, run over 1 1⁄4 miles on the dirt, offers a $1 million purse and an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Santa Anita Park, opened to the public in 1934, is considered one of the most esteemed racecourses in California. The Santa Anita Handicap, contested over a distance of 1 1⁄4 miles on the dirt, is one of the most important races for older horses in North America, first run in 1935. Seabiscuit, a famous racehorse, finished second in the Santa Anita Handicap in 1937 and 1938 before winning it in 1940. Other famous winners include Ack Ack, Lucky Debonair, and Affirmed.

Santa Anita Park hosts over 30 graded races annually, including a California-high of 13 Grade Ones. The Santa Anita Derby is one of the major Kentucky Derby prep races, with ten winners of the race going on to win the Kentucky Derby. Santa Anita Park has hosted the Breeders' Cup on eleven occasions and played a prominent role at the 1984 Olympic Games, as it was the site for all equestrian events.

Though Hollywood Park Racetrack closed down in December 2013, it remains a constant reminder of the legacy of horse racing in the region. The world-esteemed SoFi Stadium now stands on the Hollywood Park grounds. Hollywood Park, founded by Hollywood elite, played host to some of the most esteemed races in the region throughout its history, including the Hollywood Derby, American Oaks, G1 Matriarch Stakes, and Hollywood Gold Cup.

Horse racing is a popular sporting event in Los Angeles, with daily betting action taking place at scenic tracks across California. Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, there's a horse racing venue in Los Angeles that's sure to captivate your interest.

  1. Barretts Equine Limited, located at Fairplex in Pomona, California, is not only known for its horse sales and events but also for occasionally hosting racing events, making it a significant hub for the community's horse racing enthusiasts.
  2. Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Track in Cypress, California, is a popular destination for those interested in quarter horse racing, offering unique experiences with both quarter horse racing and some Thoroughbred racing events.
  3. During the annual Los Angeles County Fair at Fairplex, Pomona, horse racing events occasionally take place, bringing this exciting sports-betting activity to the community during specific events.

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