Cheers to Opening Saturday! Santa Anita kicks off Autumn Meet with The Goodwood Day celebration

CHEERS TO OPENING SATURDAY! SANTA ANITA KICKS OFF AUTUMN MEET WITH THE GOODWOOD DAY CELEBRATION

Seven graded stakes, four Breeders’ Cup Challenge races, an English-inspired party and trackside pub highlight Opening Weekend beginning Saturday, Sept. 26

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept.15, 2026) — The horses are back and Santa Anita Park is gearing up to kick off its 19-day Autumn Meet beginning with a proper English celebration.

Goodwood Day, Saturday, Sept. 26, will combine a blockbuster day of racing with an afternoon of English-inspired food, drinks, live music and plenty of reasons to raise a pint as Santa Anita celebrates its historic partnership with Goodwood Racecourse in Chichester, England. The partnership rooted in tradition since 1982, has been strengthened by decades of friendship reflects the shared commitment of Santa Anita, 1/ST and Goodwood to fostering global excellence in Thoroughbred racing.

Five graded stakes headline the Opening Saturday card, including two Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” races.

The $300,000 Goodwood Stakes presented by the Oak Tree Association (GI) will offer an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic, while the $200,000 City of Hope Mile (GII) will send its winner directly to the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

The stakes action continues with the $200,000 Eddie D Stakes presented by Estrella Jalisco (GII), $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship (GII) and $100,000 John C. Harris Stakes (GIII). Sunday, Sept. 27, brings two more “Win and You’re In” opportunities to Santa Anita.The $200,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship presented by Estrella Jalisco (GII) will offer a coveted automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, while the $200,000 Zenyatta Stakes (GII) will have automatic entry into the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff.

Fans looking to turn Goodwood Day into an experience can step into the Goodwood Chandelier Room Party, featuring an English-inspired menu with favorites such as shepherd’s pie and sticky toffee pudding, a complimentary cocktail and live music. Tickets are $105.79, with balcony access overlooking the track it is the perfect setting to enjoy the races with a little British flair.

For those who prefer their racing with a side of pub atmosphere, Santa Anita’s apron will transform into a trackside English pub, complete with an English tribute band, cocktails and pub-inspired bites including fish and chips and Ploughman’s dogs. Packages are available for $42.97.

In addition, the Compton Cowboys will be on hand to parade down the Santa Anita Main Track and host a meet and greet at the Kingsbury Fountain. The Compton Cowboys' mission is to provide an equestrian outlet to young inner-city residents through the Compton Junior Equestrians (CJE).

For more information and to buy tickets for the festivities visit santaanita.com/events.