Santa Anita Derby - Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California

Santa Anita Derby

  • Stakes: Grade I for 3-year-old thoroughbreds
  • Distance: 1 1/8 miles
  • Track: Dirt
  • Purse: $750,000

The Santa Anita Derby is considered the most important 3-year old race in the West run at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

The Santa Anita Derby has a rich history as an important prep race for the Kentucky Derby, which leads to the Triple Crown big event for thoroughbred horse racing. It has yielded Kentucky Derby winners such as Silver Charm, Sunday Silence, and Winning Colors plus Triple Crown winner Affirmed.

With a total purse of US$750,000, the Santa Anita Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three year old thoroughbred horses, run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt. The Santa Anita Derby stands out with the third highest number of winners - at a total of 14 - who have made it to the Kentucky Derby.


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Horse Racing News
Gayego joins Preakness lineup
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Gayego, who finished 17th in the Derby on May 3, was added to the Preakness field Tuesday. He will be the only one of the 19 horses beaten by Big Brown in the Derby to seek a rematch Saturday at Pimlico Race Course.
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Playing the odds with Big Brown
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A short price in the Preakness could be good news for Big Brown. Post-time favorites have captured 68 of 133 runnings of the middle jewel of Triple Crown, a race run in two divisions in 1918.
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Jockey Club creates safety committee to study equine health
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Jockey Club has formed a committee to study equine health, including track safety and the rules of racing, five days after the death of the filly Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby.
[read full story]