The Santa Anita Derby's story began in the midst of the Great Depression. Even in those tough times, the race quickly became a highlight in the horse racing calendar. .
Early winners like Stagehand in 1938 not only triumphed in Santa Anita but also went on to achieve nationwide fame. This early success set the tone for what the Santa Anita Derby would become a launching pad for racing's greatest stars.What makes the Santa Anita Derby a key race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby? It's the combination of the challenging track, the high-caliber competition, and the timing of the race in the annual calendar. Horses that excel here are tested against some of the best in their class, providing a reliable gauge of their readiness for the challenges of the Kentucky Derby.
Bet on the Santa Anita Derby at BUSR and start winning right today.
| Location | Inaugural Race | Race Type | Distance | Track | Qualification | Purse | Race Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Anita Park - Huntington, Arcadia, CA , USA | 1935 | Thoroughbred - Flat racing | 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs) | Dirt, Left-handed | Three-year-olds | $1,000,000 | Grade I |
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Stronghold | Antonio Fresu | Phillip D'Amato | Waller, Eric M. and Waller, Sharon | 1:49:98 |
| 2023 | Practical Move | Ramon A. Vazquez | Tim Yakteen | Leslie A. Amestoy, Pierre Jean Amestoy Jr. & Roger K. Beasley | 1:48.69 |
| 2022 | Taiba | Mike E. Smith | Tim Yakteen | Zedan Racing Stables | 1:48.46 |
| 2021 | Rock Your World | Umberto Rispoli | John W. Sadler | Hronis Racing LLC and David Michael Talla | 1:49.17 |
| 2020 | Honor A. P. | Mike E. Smith | John Shirreffs | C R K Stable LLC | 1:48.97 |
| 2019 | Roadster | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert | Speedway Stable LLC | 1:51.28 |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert | Winstar Farm, China Horse Club, SF Racing LLC | 1:49.72 |
| 2017 | Gormley | Victor Espinoza | John Shirreffs | Jerry & Ann Moss | 1:51.16 |
