Santa Anita Park is Off to the Races

Under brilliant blue skies and eighty-degree temperatures, Gary Stevens rode Heir Kitty to an upset victory Thursday in the $300,000 La Brea Stakes Wednesday, as Santa Anita Park kicked off its official 2013-2014 thoroughbred racing series.

Race officials reported the on-track attendance at 30,540 for the day’s ten races.

Heir Kitty ran at 13-to-1 odds and paid $28.20 to win.

Said Stevens, “I rode this race a bit like a turf race. I was able to sit back in the pocket; this dirt is in unbelievable condition.”

Sweet Lulu (4-5 favorite) finished second with Rafael Bejarano aboard, and Executiveprivilege, ridden by Mike Smith, was third.

Said second place finisher Manuel Bejarano, “It was a clean break from the gate and I was really comfortable in the lead. I wasn’t expecting to be in the lead, and for my horse, I was walking the race. The winner, she was the best today. It wasn’t a fast pace. I went a slow fraction. No excuse.”

Today marks the 77th season of the historic track, which opened on Christmas Day 1934. (Hollywood Park, meanwhile, the L.A. area’s other major racetrack, closed its doors for good last week.)

Santa Anita’s Opening Day also featured a host of renovations at the historic track, including the grand opening of the newly re-done Chandelier Room, part of the track’s Turf Club. The renovation focused on blending the historic room with innovative technology, including a number of big-screen TVs, updated Wi-Fi, and upgraded luxurious furnishings.

Architect Gordon B. Kaufman designed the racetrack in an art deco style, and the new renovations honor the original design.

Also included in the new revitalization are the Mezzanine and the box seating area. The racetrack will also introduce new VIP areas including a Sports Book, and the Eddie Logan Suite, an exclusive private high-end wagering room.

In addition, Chandelier Room guests participated in the “Whiskey in Winter” tasting event today, to decide the season’s official cocktail whiskey.

Santa Anita Park has also upgraded its food options; introducing a chopped salad bar, noodle bar, hand-carved sandwich station with prime rib and a juice/smoothie bar.

In today’s opening race, Crusher, ridden by jockey Martin Garcia, took home the season’s first victory.

The 2013-2014 Santa Anita season runs through June 29, 2014.

Santa Anita is at 245 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia. (626) 574-7223. For more visit www.santaanita.com