In 2008 the Breeders’ Cup returns to the spectacular setting of Santa Anita. Southern California produces some of the finest racing in America and many of America’s foremost horses and trainers are centred in the Los Angeles area. Racing takes places throughout the year at either Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Fairflex Park or Del Mar.
Santa Anita occupies 320 acres with a stunning backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. Its landmark 1,100 foot-long, Art Deco grandstand, with its original 30s façade, seats 26,000 guests and the track infield can comfortably accommodate a crowd of 50,000 or more! Behind the scenes are 61 barns, capable of housing more than 2,000 horses. The one mile oval track rings a turf course measuring 9/10 of a mile. Santa Anita is unusual in having a hillside turf course, which crosses the all-weather track and is used for races over 6 furlongs.
Santa Anita has recently completed the laying of a new surface. The $11 million ‘cushion track’ was developed in the UK and should suit the European runners.
In addition to the weekend’s racing, early risers can experience ‘Clockers’ Corner’ where breakfast is served from 5.30am. An opportunity to watch the early morning workouts and see the runners stretch their legs in the California sunshine!
BREEDERS’ CUP
Since its inaugural running at Hollywood Park in 1984, the Breeders’ Cup has established itself as the season-ending championship of Thoroughbred Racing.
With each Breeders’ Cup race worth at least $1 million, the meeting has been a magnet for the most outstanding equine competitors in the world. American champions such as Azeri, A.P. Indy, Cigar and Sunday Silence and countless others have demonstrated greatness at Breeders’ Cup. But European success has challenged American superiority – In 1987 Francois Boutin brought over the great mare Miesque she won the Mile in consecutive years. Sheikh Albadou partnered by Pat Eddery won the Sprint at Churchill Downs in 1991, a race dominated by the Americans. Arcangues stunned the world with his win in the Classic in 1993 and Wilko, trained by Jeremy Noseda, won the Juvenile in 1994. By far the greatest performance in recent times was by the globe-trotting mare Ouija Board as she won her second Filly & Mare Turf in 2006.
At last year’s Championships at Monmouth Park a new two-day format was introduced, with three new races added to the schedule. Despite the wet conditions there was an impressive performance by Preakness winner Curlin in the Classic almost breaking the 45-year-old track record. Midnight Lute annihilated the field in the Sprint and Corinthian was an impressive winner of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile routing the favourite Discreet Cat.
It was a disappointing night for the European challengers, who struggled to come to terms with the sloppy track conditions. Red Rocks and Dylan Thomas were defeated by Todd Pletchers’ English Channel and Henry Cecil’s filly Passage of Time was a close third to the ex- French trained Lahudood.
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THE RACES
$25.5 million prize money – the richest event in sporting history!
For the second consecutive year this event will be conducted over a two day format and three further races have been added to the schedule, with two new turf races.
On Friday 24 October there will be the running of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, the Filly & Mare Sprint, Juvenile Turf, Turf Sprint, Juvenile Fillies Turf, and the $500,000 Dirt Marathon.
Saturday 25 October is the most prestigious day of the Championship with eight races. The $5 million Classic, the $3 million Turf, the $2 million Distaff, Filly & Mare Turf, Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies, Mile and Sprint.
THE TOURS
All our tour prices include the cost of racecouse admission together with Club House seats and private “Seabiscuit” facility for both Breeders’ Cup days.
PASADENA
Pasadena is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles and is only 10 minutes away from Santa Anita racetrack. It is famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and the Tournament of Roses Parade. Old Pasadena provides excellent shopping, dining and entertainment.
Club House Seats & “Seabiscuit” Private Dining Facility for the two days of Breeders’ Cup racing. Club House seats for both days are included in the price of the tour. These give an excellent view of the track. A buffet luncheon is also included and will be provided in our exclusive “Seabiscuit” private facility which is adjacent to the Paddock, located behind the grandstand. This facility, unique to Horse Racing Abroad, will be available to you for the two days of Breeders’ Cup racing and will have a private cash bar, private tote betting and designated restrooms.
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MAY 2008
