Santa Anita posted an 8% gain in on-track attendance for its 2015-16 Winter Meet as it continues to focus on bringing new fans to the Arcadia track. All-sources handle, meanwhile, fell 1%.
The 63-day meet, which began Dec. 26, was highlighted by 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) winning the GII San Pasqual S. Jan. 9, Eclipse Champion Juvenile Colt Nyquist (Uncle Mo) taking the GII San Vicente S. Feb. 15, Eclipse Champion Juvenile Filly Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro) winning three stakes–the GII Las Virgenes S. Feb. 6, the GIII Santa Ysabel S. Mar. 5 and the GI Santa Anita Oaks Apr. 9–and Exaggerator (Curlin) dominating the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 9.
For the fourth consecutive year and seventh time overall, Rafael Bejarano took home the riding title, finishing with 74 wins. He also finished tied with Gary Stevens for most stakes races won with eight.
In the trainer's race, upstart Phil D'Amato captured his first Santa Anita training title with 74 winners. D'Amato also led in the way with eight stakes wins.
Hronis Racing, LLC led all owners with 12 victories, while Songbird was unanimously voted Horse of the Meet in the annual media poll.
With Santa Anita closing until its Spring Meet opener May 5, Golden Gate Fields will be conducting a Turf Festival over the next three weekends. The Bay Area track will offer increased purses and provide Southern California-based horsemen free shipping to and from Golden Gate.
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