The inaugural California Crown event on September 28 appears to have been as successful Santa Anita Park hosted its second largest crowd of 2024 and saw an increase in attendance.
With 21,812 in attendance, the day was second for the year behind the April 6 Santa Anita Derby (G1) with 32,089 in attendance. Those on track on Saturday bet $1,345,794.26. In total, $17,907,293 was wagered on the 10-round card.
The Santa Anita Derby race day grossed $19,080,238 over 12 races, giving California Crown Day the edge in average betting per race with $1,790,729 to $1,590,020.
The card is anchored by three major stakes that have received purse increases this year. California Crown (G1) rose to $1 million after being run at $300,000 since 2014 when it was known as the Awesome Again Stakes. Additionally, the John Henry Turf Championship (G2T) and Eddie D. Stakes (G2T) have increased from $200,000 to $750,000. The purse increase was sponsored by the track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing.
In addition to thrilling racing action, California Crown Day also hosts many musical performances and culinary promotions. 1/ST’s promotional efforts seem to have attracted a younger audience to the event.
Compared to the same race dates over the past two years, 2024 sees a 26% increase in participation and an 80% increase in attendance compared to 2022, with an increase in driver numbers of 39% and attendance is 115% from 2023, based on numbers provided by Equibase charts.
