The 2024-2025 stakes schedule at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, is set to offer an exciting array of 79 added-money events over 78 race dates. This schedule is topped by the prestigious GI Santa Anita Handicap and the GI Santa Anita Derby. In 2024, the Big ‘Cap will award $300,000 in prize money, while the Santa Anita Derby purse has been reduced from $750,000 to $500,000. However, the overnight race purses have seen an increase compared to last spring and autumn, with four allowance and maiden races seeing a better than 10% boost.

President's Perspective

Bill Nader, the president and CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, emphasized the importance of adjusting the number of stakes races to align with the current foal crop and horse population. He stated, "It's prudent and responsible to make these adjustments. Despite the challenges, we still have an impressive 79 stakes over 78 race days. The increased overnight purses are a step in the right direction, and Southern California remains a significant part of American racing."

Winter/Spring 'Classic' Meeting

The winter/spring 'Classic' meeting typically begins on Dec. 26 and features a trio of Grade I events for 3-year-olds. The Malibu Stakes and La Brea Stakes take place on the main track over seven furlongs, while the American Oaks is held over 10 panels on the turf. The opening-day program also includes the former GII San Antonio Stakes, which has been renamed in honor of legendary jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr. Nate Newby, Santa Anita's senior vice president and general manager, expressed his admiration for Pincay, saying, "Laffit Pincay Jr. is one of the greatest ambassadors this sport has ever had. It's about time we honor him, and we're delighted to give him an early birthday present as he turns 78 two days after Opening Day."

Santa Anita Handicap

The Santa Anita Handicap is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 1. This event is part of a program that also includes the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes, the GII DK Horse San Felipe Stakes on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, and the GII Buena Vista Stakes. These races add to the excitement and competitiveness of the Santa Anita Park schedule.

Santa Anita Derby

The Santa Anita Derby takes place on Saturday, Apr. 5. Alongside this main event, there are several supporting stakes. The GII Fasig-Tipton Santa Anita Oaks, the GIII Monrovia Stakes, and the Echo Eddie and Evening Jewel Stakes for Cal-bred 3-year-olds provide additional opportunities for horses and jockeys to shine.

Classic Meeting and Hollywood Meet

The Classic meeting runs for 49 days through Apr. 6 and is followed by the 29-day Hollywood meet. The Hollywood meet kicks off after a 12-day break on Apr. 18 and continues through June 15. Overall, the 79 stakes, including 47 at the graded level and nine Grade Is, are worth $12 million. Twenty-one stakes are set to be contested over the turf course. The highlight of the Hollywood meeting comes on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, with the GI Shoemaker Mile Stakes, the GI Gamely Stakes, and the GII Hollywood Gold Cup on the agenda.Click here for the entire stakes schedule.