Facility and Grounds

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Present-day Santa Anita opened to the public
Christmas Day, 1934.

The Architecture

The original Turf Club, Club House and mammoth Grandstand were designed by the noted Los Angeles architect Gordon B. Kaufmann.

Blending Spanish-flavored, Art Deco architectural design with luscious landscaping and a wealth of art and ornamental sculpture, the goal was to create not just a racetrack but a grand and beautiful public park. Through the years, the original concept remains intact-and is faithfully enhanced.

In 1999, Santa Anita completed a $15 million renovation and improvement program, the largest, most comprehensive in its history. Today, the glory of America's most beautiful racing venue shines more brightly than ever before.

The Landscaping & Grounds

More than 1,500 trees, bowers of blooming seasonal and perennial flowers, gurgling fountains, antique sculpture, imaginative topiary designs and lush green lawns make the grounds of Santa Anita Park a welcome treat for the eye and for the spirit.

Many of the giant trees are indigenous to the San Gabriel Valley. Specimens such as ornamental Olive, Brazilian peppers, California peppers, fern pines, blue gum eucalyptus and Washingtonia Robusta Palms contribute to Santa Anita's leafy grandeur.

Every year, the Park plants more than 9,000 flats of blooming flowers for guests to enjoy. The rainbow-splashed floral displays include the signature Santa Anita Giant Pansy, soft-hued Cosmos, the bright yellow perennial Europs, the dramatic Bird of Paradise and dozens of additional flower varieties.

All year long, more than 60 gardeners and groundskeepers maintain the splendor of the Park.

In the landscaped Paddock Gardens, encompassing the Saddling Barn and Walking Ring, guests relax and enjoy close-up views of the horses, jockeys and trainers as they prepare for their races.

Box hedges surround the center of the Gardens' Walking Ring where proudly stands a bronze statue of the immortal Seabiscuit, one of the most beloved Thoroughbreds ever to thrill the cheering Santa Anita crowds.

Antique statuary and ornamental vases, many pieces dating from England in the 1700s, add still more fascination to the Gardens and are also seen in other areas, across the Park.

The bright green lawns and lush plantings of Santa Anita's vast, oval Infield invite guests to linger and enjoy spectacular views of the races and the nearby mountains. The Infield features extensive picnic facilities and the Park's playground, Anita Chiquita, with slides, jungle gyms, swings and more.