On Saturday, September 28, 1/ST, the brand behind North America’s premier Thoroughbred horse racing, entertainment, and wagering events, partnered with The h.wood Group to debut The California Crown, a new entertainment spectacle at Santa Anita Park. The event aimed to establish a new California tradition at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and luxury.
The day, dubbed “California’s Richest Day of Racing,” attracted a record-breaking 21,812 attendees, marking the largest opening day crowd in Santa Anita Park’s history. VIP guests, including Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Cher, Sharon Stone, and many more, were welcomed by Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO of 1/ST, and John Terzian, Co-Founder of The h.wood Group. The event featured high-profile performances from artists such as Lil Yachty, Shaboozey, Frank Walker, Zack Bia, and headliner Gryffin.
The inaugural California Crown race, sponsored by SirDavis American Whisky, was won by Argentina’s Subsanador, owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Richard Mandella, and ridden by jockey Mike Smith. Belinda Stronach, along with Cher and Chrome Hearts Co-Founder Laurie Lynn Stark, presented the championship trophy, a nearly 20-inch tall sterling silver masterpiece designed by Chrome Hearts, to the winning team. This distinctive trophy will be on permanent display at Santa Anita Park as a tribute to the next generation of racing excellence.
In addition to the main event, The California Crown featured two other branded stakes races. Cabo Spirit, owned by Kretz Racing, claimed victory in the $750,000 California Crown John Henry Turf Championship, while First Peace, owned by Rancho Temescal, Red Baron’s Barn, and Rodney Orr, took home the $750,000 California Crown Eddie D. Stakes.
The day’s success extended beyond the track, with over $23.5 million wagered on the ten-race card, reflecting an 83% increase from the previous year. This included $5.5 million in international wagers from a new partnership between 1/ST and the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Guests at the event were treated to luxurious offerings, including signature cocktails, fine dining, and exclusive premium areas designed in collaboration with LA’s top entertainment and hospitality brands, such as Delilah, Funke, and Wally’s. General admission attendees enjoyed diverse culinary experiences from the Exacta Eats food village and had the chance to test their skills at Dave & Buster’s Top Shot basketball game.
The California Crown, with its blend of high-stakes racing, luxury, and entertainment, set a new standard for LA’s event scene, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of California’s racing tradition.
