Opening Day at Santa Anita Park

With the anticipation of the return of the dirt track to the Great Race Place, an enormous crowd attended Santa Anita Park.  Large fields and great thoroughbred racing made it a day to remember, especially with the weather that Southern California had the past week.  9 races were on the card today, with 4 stakes races, highlighted by the Grade I La Brea and Malibu Stakes.

Roxy Darr kicked off the celebration with her performance of the National Anthem.  

The First Race of the new season, meet, and new dirt surface.

A large crowd on the apron watching the first race as the horses gallop around the track.

Fans fill up the Santa Anita grandstand.

Rafael Bejarano on Thirtyfirststreet take the Cal Breeders' Champion Stakes.

Switch taking the La Brea, with Joel Rosario aboard.

Sidney's Candy opens up on the field to take the Sir Beaufort with Joel Rosario aboard.

Twirling Candy beats out Smiling Tiger to take the Malibu Stakes with Rosario aboard.