Free general admission and parking is coming to Santa Anita Park for horse racing beginning this Saturday, Sept 19, opening day for a 19-day Autumn Meet. And Santa Anita will also introduce its first-ever Infield Farmers’ Market with fresh produce, food and artisinal items from 12 noon – 5 p.m. on Opening Day and four Sundays — Sept. 26 & 27, Oct. 11, Oct. 18 and closing day, Oct. 25.
Triple Crown winner American Pharoah is ridden in a workout Monday morning.
Meanwhile, early attendees at Clockers’ Corner have been enjoying the last few days of workouts by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah — the first in 37 years — before he leaves for his final race at the Breeders’ Cup Championships in Kentucky and a subsequent life of breeding and grazing in the bluegrass state. Under the watchful eye of trainer Bob Baffert, Pharoah breezed a half-mile Monday morning at Santa Anita in 49.80— his first official work since running second in the Grade I Travers Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 29. Based at Santa Anita last fall, winter and early spring, the Ahmed Zayat homebred colt by Pioneer of the Nile won the final start of his 2-year-old campaign, the Grade I FrontRunner Stakes at Santa Anita a year ago, and was subsequently named Eclipse Champion 2-year-old. Along with the rest of Baffert’s stable, American Pharoah returned to The Great Race Place early on Sept. 10 and has trained over the main track each day since as Baffert readies him for his career finale, and a likely showdown with superstar mare Beholder, in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Oct. 31.
The free General Admission and parking is for parking in Gate 6 off Colorado Place and admission to the infield during weekend racing, and the grandstands and general parking lots on weekdays. Opening day, which will be highlighted by five Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win & You’re In” prep stakes, will also feature a KROQ Beer Festival in Santa Anita’s Infield Area and a “Win & You’re In” Trackside Event on the Grandstand apron. The KROQ Beer Festival will feature ice cold craft beers, food trucks and live music. Admission to the concert is free, or, for just $35, fans can purchase a KROQ Backstage ticket that includes the following:
Two Drink Scrips (good for one drink each).
Lunch Voucher redeemable at “Slamin Sliders” (includes two sliders and one side dish).
Breeders’ Cup World Championships Tote Bag.
Access to KROQ Backstage Area with private amenities and wagering.
One Racing Program.
One Tip Sheet.
Santa Anita’s “Win & You’re In” Trackside Event, located on the Grandstand apron, offers fans great value for just $20.00:
Commemorative Triple Crown glass featuring American Pharoah.
One Club House Admission.
Your First Drink included.
One Racing Program and Tip Sheet.
Trackside (first come, first served) & Grandstand seating.
Santa Anita will once again offer fans the best in College and NFL Football, with ready access to wagering on live and simulcast horse racing and affordable food and beverage service in the Bud Light Lounge, adjacent to Sirona’s Bar on the main floor of the Grandstand. Purchased online for just $20.00 (walk ups are $25.00), the Bud Light Lounge offers fans 21 and over the following:
An All-You-Can-Eat Buffet (served from 12 noon to 3 p.m.).
One General Admission.
One Racing Program.
Entry to the Bud Light Lounge.
Three Dollar Bud Lights, Budweiser and a Specialty Cocktail all day.
Your first Bud Light or Budweiser is included.
Santa Anita’s newest sports bar, The Gallop Out, remains a popular destination for both new and veteran players.
The Gallop Out is accessible with $10 Club House Admission.
First come, first served seating and stand-up bar featuring a private bar, private wagering and plenty of flat screen televisions. The Gallop Out affords attendees a panoramic third floor vantage point, overlooking the track’s Club House turn. (Please note–On opening day only, The Gallop Out features a premium package that includes a luxurious buffet, Club House admission and a racing program for $50).
First post time for an 11-race card on opening day is at 12:30 p.m. First post time for the remainder of the meet will be at 1 p.m. For more information on additional events and promotions, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.