According to the track, strong gains in on-track attendance and on-track handle have continued at Santa Anita Park as the Southern California track heads into the final four weeks of its Classic Meet.
On-track attendance is up more than 11% from last season, hosting more than 230,000 visitors through the weekend ending March 8. The on-track handle, which is important as the track retains a larger percentage of dollars bet at Santa Anita to support purses and the overall racing product, has grown more than 2% from last year. Keep in mind that last year's meet was up substantially from the 2023-24 season. The average handle per race also has improved from last year.
The 11-race Santa Anita Handicap day program March 7 saw the largest Big 'Cap crowd in attendance since 2019, with 19,122 on hand to enjoy the wind-swept day. The total handle on Big 'Cap Day was nearly $15 million, with the on-track handle up more than 11% over the 2025 edition. Sunday saw another strong on-track attendance increase, bringing the total crowd for the weekend to nearly 27,000.
Fans, horsemen and women, and horseplayers have continued to support the on-track experience since the season began when rain delayed the traditional Dec. 26 opener 48 hours. A crowd of 41,962—the largest Sunday opening day crowd since 1999—were on hand to begin the track's 91st year.
The Santa Anita Park Classic Meet continues through April 5, and includes the prestigious Santa Anita Derby (G1) April 4. The Santa Anita Park Hollywood Meet opens April 17, with live racing through June 14.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
