Santa Anita Park Fall Classic 2026

“The Fall Classic at Santa Anita draws horses pointed at…”

Santa Anita Park opens its 2026 Fall Season in October at one of the most beautiful horse racing venues in the world — the San Gabriel Mountains forming the backdrop to a track that has been a fixture of Southern California life since 1934. The Fall Classic meet draws the top California-based horses competing for championship points in the final stretch of the thoroughbred racing year.

Santa Anita's fall stakes program includes several Grade I and Grade II races that draw horses from beyond California — trainers targeting the Breeders' Cup championships in November use Santa Anita fall races as condition tests. The Santa Anita handicaps and the Oak Tree Racing Association's fall program provide a quality of racing uncommon in the fall California stakes calendar.

The Santa Anita Paddock — the historic walking ring with mountain backdrop — is one of the iconic images of American horse racing. The paddock is open to general admission ticket holders, providing direct access to horses and jockeys in the pre-race saddling ritual. This is the best place in American racing to see top-class thoroughbreds up close before a stakes race.

Santa Anita Park is at 285 W Huntington Dr in Arcadia, accessible from the I-210 and US-210. Metro Gold/L Line at Arcadia station connects to a free shuttle to the track on race days. Parking on-site. General admission allows access to the apron, grandstand, and paddock. Clubhouse and terrace upgrades available. Racing runs Friday through Sunday and select Mondays through early November.