Santa Anita season off to a good start
Should the racing gods ever decree that the consummate book be written on the glory that is Santa Anita Park, the final chapter is poised for history. It was written December 28, when everything that makes Santa Anita great was in full flower, frenetic yet tranquil, in all its natural splendour. Scenic mountains, verdant palms, […]
Easy win for Omaha Beach in Malibu Stakes as Santa Anita gets underway
Soaking in another victory Saturday by Omaha Beach, trainer Richard Mandella joked that he should have had the colt gelded before he became such a superstar. That's about all that would have stopped the 3-year-old's path to his next career at stud, which came a step closer after Omaha Beach waltzed to a 2 3/4-length win […]
Jockey Mike Smith wins record 217th Grade 1 race
ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Omaha Beach won the US$300,000 Malibu Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths on opening day at Santa Anita, giving Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith a record 217th Grade 1 victory. Smith surpassed the mark set by retired Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey to become thoroughbred racing's all-time Grade 1 stakes-winning jockey. […]