The world of horse racing in Los Angeles is a captivating one, with a rich history and a plethora of exciting venues. From the scenic Del Mar to the iconic Hollywood Park and the esteemed Santa Anita, there is no shortage of places to witness the thrill of the races. Let's delve into these remarkable locations and explore what makes them so special.

Uncover the Best Horse Racing Spots in LA

Del Mar: Where Turf Meets Surf

Del Mar stands as one of the most breathtaking locations for horse racing in North America. Established in 1937, this beachside track in San Diego has been a prominent venue for the Breeders’ Cup in recent years. In 2025, it will host the prestigious World Championships for a second consecutive time. Known for its slogan "Where the Turf Meets the Surf", Del Mar has a star-studded history. It was built by a partnership including Pat O’Brien, Bing Crosby, and Gary Cooper. Racing action takes place here between July and September, with a second meet added in November 2014. Apart from the Breeders’ Cup, Del Mar proudly boasts six Grade Ones on its annual program. The Pacific Classic, run over 1 ¼ miles on the dirt, offers a share of the $1 million purse and an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Notable winners include California Chrome, Flightline, and Beholder.The track's scenic setting and rich history make it a must-visit for horse racing enthusiasts. It offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and the excitement of the races.

Hollywood Park: A Legacy in Los Angeles

Once a famous venue for horse racing, Hollywood Park closed down in December 2013. However, its legacy lives on. The casino remains on the site, and the track's history dates back to June 1938. Founded by Hollywood elite, with Warner Bros film studio chairman Jack Warner among the prominent shareholders, Hollywood Park played host to some of the most esteemed races in the region. Grade Ones like the Hollywood Derby, American Oaks, and G1 Matriarch Stakes were held here. But its most prominent race was the Hollywood Gold Cup, which ran from 1938 to 2013 and saw legendary winners such as Cigar, Ferdinand, and Seabiscuit. The location still holds a special place in the hearts of racing fans and remains a prominent sporting venue in Los Angeles, with the world-esteemed SoFi Stadium on its grounds.Even though the track is no longer in operation, its history and significance continue to be felt in the city.

Santa Anita: A Bucket List Destination

Santa Anita Park is widely regarded as the most esteemed racecourse in California and a must-visit for racing fans worldwide. Opened to the public on Christmas Day in 1934, it has hosted the prestigious Breeders’ Cup on eleven occasions. It also played a significant role at the 1984 Olympic Games, hosting all equestrian events. The track hosts over 30 graded races annually, including a California-high of 13 Grade Ones. Races like the American Pharoah Stakes, Awesome Again Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby are among the highlights. However, the most famous race at Santa Anita is the Santa Anita Handicap, first run in 1935. It is one of the most important races for older horses in North America, contested over 1 ¼ miles on the dirt. Seabiscuit, Ack Ack, Lucky Debonair, and Affirmed are some of the famous winners of this race.Santa Anita's grandeur and history make it a truly special place for horse racing lovers.

Kentucky Derby Preps in California

At Santa Anita, one of the major Kentucky Derby prep races, the Santa Anita Derby, is held annually. This race often produces a runner that goes on to compete for the win in the opening Triple Crown race. Since its inception, ten winners of the Santa Anita Derby have followed up with a win in the Kentucky Derby, and seven horses beaten in the race have also gone on to win the first leg of the Triple Crown. The most recent horse to achieve this feat was Justify in 2018, who went on to add to his Kentucky Derby success by winning the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes.The Santa Anita Derby serves as an important stepping stone for horses aiming to compete in the prestigious Triple Crown.