A place for my photos and thoughts and stuff.
The place looks great with the new paint job.
It’s an art deco palace.
The entry to the saddling enclosure and jockey’s room.
George “The Iceman” Woolf, an all-time great, and rider of Seabiscuit in his match race with War Admiral.
This guy’s name is Montana, and he got me a nice payday. Thanks, Montana!
…and down the stretch they come!
The beautiful art deco clubhouse, sporting a lovely new coat of paint. There is no sporting venue like this one.
Old art deco style signage.
He looks…concerned.
I got a Lava Man poster signed by Corey Nakatani (his jockey) and trainer (Doug O’Niell). Lava Man had a glorious Hall of Fame career, then retired to work in his trainer’s barn coaching the young’uns in the proper behavior. He was so effective in communicating with his charges, that he did the job of 2 or 3 people. Unbelievably cool horse.
I love this statue of Zenyatta. She was (and is) magical.
My carefully considered choice. Yes, he was the favorite. Don’t judge me. I made enough money to not dip into my own wallet until the very end of the day.
Thank you, Asada Fries, for your outstanding effort.
I love The Great Race Place!
Is there a more beautiful sports venue in the world?
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!
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.
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.
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 – 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.