What is the Santa Anita Derby?
The Santa Anita Derby is a prestigious Grade 1 horse race held annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The race is for three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is run over a distance of 1 1/8 miles. It is one of the key prep races for the Kentucky Derby.
When does the Santa Anita Derby take place in 2026?
The 2026 Santa Anita Derby is scheduled to take place on April 4th. This date is crucial for those interested in placing bets, as it sets the stage for top horses to qualify for the Kentucky Derby, often leading to high stakes in online horse betting.
Santa Anita Derby Winners
Over the years, the Santa Anita Derby has produced many legendary winners. One of the most famous is California Chrome (2014), who went on to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Another legendary horse is Affirmed (1978), who went on to win the Triple Crown. Sunday Silence (1989) also claimed victory in this race before winning both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
Other stars such as A.P. Indy (1992), winner of the Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic, and Point Given (2001), who dominated the Preakness and Belmont, further showcase the caliber of horses emerging from the Santa Anita Derby..
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Journalism | Umberto Rispoli | 1:49.56 |
| 2024 | Stronghold | Antonio Fresu | 1:49:98 |
| 2023 | Practical Move | Ramon A. Vazquez | 1:48.69 |
| 2022 | Taiba | Mike E. Smith | 1:48.46 |
| 2021 | Rock Your World | Umberto Rispoli | 1:49.17 |
| 2020 | Honor A. P. | Mike E. Smith | 1:48.97 |
| 2019 | Roadster | Mike E. Smith | 1:51.28 |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike E. Smith | 1:49.72 |
| 2017 | Gormley | Victor Espinoza | 1:51.16 |
The Santa Anita Derby is one of the most important prep races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The race is part of a points-based system that determines the field of 20 horses eligible to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
