Category: photography

Santa Anita – The Familiar Taste of Failure

I went with Touchdown Kittle. But seeming no-hoper McGregor Lake got the job done and paid more than $60.

Touchdown Kittle ladies and gents.

Every one of these people thinks they know who is going to win. Very few were correct.

Here’s Touchdown Kittle in the lead, just before being passed by a half dozen other horses.

Still, it was a great day. Here is a video I made, complete dramatic music to compensate for the unspectacular photos and camera work!

Santa Anita – Decor

Horsey touches everywhere.

The fountain, engraved with the names of the winners of the Santa Anita Handicap. Up to a point. They’re gonna need a bigger fountain.

Looking down judgmentally at all of the gambling going on.

One of the many statues in the paddock gardens.

I’ve always loved this pot.

Mare and foal topiary.

The paddock gardens really are beautiful.

They’re doing that public art thing with horses painted by various artists. I kind of liked this one. Sort of mod.

Santa Anita – Statuary

Training great Charlie Whittingham and his dog Toby.

All-time Santa Anita stakes winner John Henry, humble of origin, plain of form, fleet of foot, and evil of temper.

Breeder’s Cup championships will be held here in November, and I am to be there.

The immortal “people’s horse”, Seabiscuit.

Zenyatta, the Queen of Racing. Saw her in person many times. There will never be another like her.

Santa Anita – Pretty Horsies

One of the carriage horses that carries the stewards to their posts. He wanted candy, but I only had carrots. Can’t you sense his disappointment?

Headed to the paddock to get saddled.

Looking ready for a race.

On his toes.

Friendly lead pony would only eat mints. He rejected the carrot I offered. Can you sense his disappointment?

Photo op featuring a cardboard cutout of the great Flightline and Flavien Prat.

Flightline rejected my carrot also.

Santa Anita – Architecture

Santa Anita – built in the mid-1930s – is pure art deco heaven…

Look at those beautiful friezes and those curves….

Grandstand windows and wonderful wrought iron detailing…

The clubhouse…

Also the clubhouse…

Another look at the friezes. I’ve always loved them.

Entrance to the paddock and beyond, the jockey’s room.