He was orphaned as a young boy in London. Wounded by German artillery in World War II. Employed by Santa Anita Park since 1961. His name is John Shear, and he is the track’s beloved Paddock Captain. John will celebrate his 99th birthday between races with family, friends and co-workers this Friday, January 17th. A former exercise rider, groom and assistant trainer who had originally … Continue reading 99 Years Young
Saturday was opening day of the winter meet at Santa Anita Park. It proved to be a memorable one for jockey Mike Smith. In the process of Winning four of seven Stakes races on the card, Smith bested Jerry Bailey as the all-time leader among jockeys for Grade 1 Wins in North America. Smith surpassed his fellow Hall of Famer, with Win number 217, when OMAHA … Continue reading The Amazing Mike Smith
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey on Thursday issued a 17-page report on the deaths of horses at Santa Anita Park with more than two dozen recommendations on how to improve safety at all California racetracks. The report found no criminal wrongdoing at Santa Anita Park. “Horse racing has inherent risks, but is a legally sanctioned sport in California,” Lacey said. “Greater precautions are … Continue reading DA Reports On Santa Anita
Let’s raise a glass to VINO ROSSO. Nothing could stop him this time. The 4-year-old son of CURLIN, an enigma for much of his career, finally put it all together in Winning (just as the Daily Racing Blog had predicted on Friday) the $6 million dollar Breeders’ Cup Classic by 4 ¼-lengths over MCKINZIE on Saturday at Santa Anita Park. It was the first Classic victory for … Continue reading Vintage Vino
This year’s edition of the $6 million dollar Breeders’ Cup Classic– the signature event of championship weekend, is shaping up as one of the most wide-open in recent memory. This is a result of what’s been a largely muddled season in the older male and 3-year-old dirt divisions. It also means plenty will be on the line with regards to year-end Eclipse Awards in what should … Continue reading Breeders’ Cup Classic
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies race is Friday at Santa Anita Park. It is run on the dirt at a distance of 1 mile & 1/16th. It is race seven on the card, with a scheduled Post Time of 5:32 Eastern Time. The contest has a purse of 2 million dollars. Here then is a look at the field of nine: #1 DONNA VELOCE [ML … Continue reading Juvenile Fillies
This years Breeders’ Cup will offer a unique slate of programming in commemoration of ZENYATTA — one of the greatest racehorses of all time. This celebration is being held on the 10th anniversary of her historic Victory at Santa Anita Park in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic, when she became the first-ever female to Win the world-renowned race. “ZENYATTA’s accomplishments are among the most legendary … Continue reading The Queen Of Horse Racing
The Daily Racing Blog frequently speaks of the Breeders’ Cup Championship Series, which has, since 1984, brought the best thoroughbred horses in the world to North America to prove who is the cream of the crop. A quick recap of the history of the Breeders’ Cup: The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is an annual series of Grade 1 Thoroughbred horse races operated by Breeders’ Cup … Continue reading The Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup board of directors meets on Thursday, June 27th, and a key topic for discussion will certainly be whether or not to maintain the organization’s commitment to hold this year’s two-day championships at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, on Nov. 1st and 2nd. It would seem that things are just too hot out there, and not worth taking a chance of running … Continue reading Santa Anita / Breeders Cup ?
