Unleashing the Excitement: Santa Anita's California Crown Extravaganza

Peter Rotundo, the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Racing and Wagering at 1/ST Racing, is gearing up to lead the charge in delivering an unforgettable experience at Santa Anita's upcoming California Crown event. This weekend, the racetrack is set to host a trifecta of high-stakes races, including the GII $750,000 John Henry Turf Cup, the Grade II $750,000 Eddie D. Stakes, and the $1 million GI California Crown Stakes, all while infusing the day with a touch of entertainment and lifestyle elements to captivate the Gen Z audience.

Elevating the Racing Experience: A Fusion of Excitement and Sophistication

Redefining the Marquee Event

The California Crown is 1/ST Racing's ambitious attempt to create a signature event that can rival the allure of the Pegasus World Cup. Rotundo emphasizes that California deserves a grand-scale racing extravaganza, one that can capture the attention of both seasoned racing enthusiasts and a younger, more diverse audience. By blending high-caliber racing with a vibrant entertainment lineup, the California Crown aims to establish itself as a must-attend event on the racing calendar, much like the Pegasus has done in Miami.

Embracing the Lifestyle Element

Rotundo acknowledges that the success of the Pegasus World Cup lies in its ability to fuse the excitement of racing with the allure of the Miami lifestyle. The California Crown is taking a similar approach, recognizing that today's racegoers seek an experience that goes beyond the traditional racetrack setting. By incorporating live music and other lifestyle-oriented elements, the event aims to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that appeals to a broader demographic, including the coveted Gen Z audience.

Elevating the Wagering Experience

Alongside the racing and entertainment offerings, Santa Anita is also introducing a revamped betting menu for the fall meet, including the return of the traditional $2 Pick Six. Additionally, the track will feature a $5 late double and a $3 late Pick Three, all designed to provide players with a more diverse and player-friendly wagering experience. Rotundo emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve, drawing inspiration from the evolving sports betting landscape and the proliferation of innovative wagers, including prop bets. By expanding the betting menu, Santa Anita aims to cater to the changing preferences and expectations of modern-day bettors.

Embracing the Future of Racing

The California Crown represents a bold step forward for Santa Anita and 1/ST Racing, as they strive to redefine the racing experience and captivate a new generation of fans. By blending high-stakes racing, lifestyle elements, and a cutting-edge wagering menu, the event seeks to position itself as a trailblazer in the industry, setting the stage for a future where the racetrack experience is not just about the races themselves, but a holistic celebration of the sport and its evolving culture.