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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

More of Santa Anita

1/9/2014

 
I really don't know what other "big" tracks have to offer, but Santa Anita definitely caters to the crowd. There was no end of stuff to do there!

We arrived early enough to secure our spots on the Seabiscuit Tour, which is free. While we waited for the tram to leave, we watched the horses come out onto the track for their morning work out. Here's a quick video of them coming onto the track.
The tour began with a ride through the barn area where we saw Bob Baffert's stables as well as many others. Santa Anita has about 1,700 horses and around 1,600 employees. Approximately 600 of them have housing provided at the park.
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One of Bob Baffert's barns
One of my favorite things from the barn area was watching the human "hot walkers." They had mini tracks throughout the barn area for just this purpose.
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I wasn't fast enough to get a photo with actual horses being walked.
The tour then continued on foot where we were taken to the Receiving Barn. As a horse's race approaches, he is taken into the barn where his shoes are checked and his tattoo is compared to his papers.
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Our guide explaining what happens in the receiving barn.
The horses are then taken to the Saddling Barn where they are tacked up.
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This is what it looked like while we there, and then later ...
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Spectators can get really close to the action!
The Jockeys' Room entrance is in the middle of the Saddling Barn. For our tour, we were whisked through the Jockeys' Room and emerged into the barn via the same route the jockey's take.
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This door leads into the Jockeys' Room.
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We were told to walk quickly and NOT to bother the jockeys who were working out and preparing for the day. I chose to respect their privacy and didn't get photos of them.
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There were a LOT of silks!
The horses then leave the Saddling Barn and are led across a walk-way to the walking ring where jockeys get a leg up.
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Leaving the Saddling Barn ...
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Heading to the walking ring ...
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A couple of turns around the ring while the jockeys are boosted up ..
Once horses leave the walking ring, they pass through a tunnel beneath the Grandstand and emerge out onto the track.

You've seen this part on TV. The horses are led by the pony horse as they walk, trot, and begin to canter. The horses are then loaded into the starting gate where they wait for the bell.
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Once the horses leave the gate, the tractor quickly pulls the gate off the track while the ambulance chases after the field.
Here's a video clip from Race 1.
One of the best wins of the day was Race 5. I placed most of my bets on known jockeys or trainers, but that fifth race had it all going on!  I bet $5 on the number 5 horse running in the fifth race.  His trainer was Bob Baffert and his jockey was none other than Gary Stevens! How could I lose?
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The winner's circe with Bob Baffert (trainer) and Gary Stevens (jockey) aboard Bayern.
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Gary Stevens heading back to the Jockeys' Room after his win aboard Bayern.
Of the nine races on Saturday, we managed to pick 6 winners! We "splurged" on Box Seats ($35 total) and had a great time perusing the program to compare our picks to the handicappers'. 
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Each "box" comes with a TV so you can see the start of the race even if it's in the far corner of the track! Our view from here was amazing.
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My first win of the day!
During the middle of the day, the Budweiser Clydsdales put on a small show for the spectators. They were given a very warm welcome by the fans.
Next time we go to Santa Anita, there will be more to see. Visitors to the park can also use the infield for picnics or watching the race. There are playground facilities, a large fountain, and more. We never made it to the infield, but we will next time!
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Late afternoon at Santa Anita
Tracy link
1/8/2014 10:34:59 pm

Loved your behind the scenes tour -- very cool!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/9/2014 10:06:04 am

It was very interesting and definitely worth doing. :0)

Hannah link
1/9/2014 12:52:42 am

Interesting -- all racetracks look basically the same, IME, in the same way that all indoors look basically the same, but this one has a decided west coast flair compared to my beloved Arlington! LOL at the color scheme.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/9/2014 10:04:47 am

The palm trees definitely give away the location! The place is VERY art deco which might explain the color scheme.

Sarah link
1/10/2014 07:24:10 am

So, how much did you win?!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/10/2014 10:07:14 am

I am not sure, Sarah, but it was definitely a winning day! I bought the tickets ahead of time so I didn't spend any money at the gate. I brought $100 in cash and bet $5 on each of 9 races. I also bought several "glasses" of wine at $11.50 (+ $1.50 tip) and food.

When I got in the truck to come home, I had $120 in my wallet. I know I won $25 on one race and $35ish on another, but I didn't really keep track. Even so, I definitely came out ahead. :0)


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    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home