Latest News
Supporting the Backstretch: Inside CTHF’s Recent Health Fair
By California Horsepower Coalition On a recent morning at the track, the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF) welcomed backstretch workers for a health fair designed to do something simple, but impactful: make care more accessible. Open to all...
More Than a Race: How Derby Day Starts with the Community
More Than a Race: How Derby Day Starts with the Community By California Horsepower Coalition Before the first race is run at Santa Anita Park on Derby Day each April, something else unfolds on the grounds as thousands of runners cross a finish line where the sport’s...
‘A Significant Boost To San Diego’s Economy’: 2025 Breeders’ Cup Generates $125 Million In Economic Impact
‘A Significant Boost To San Diego’s Economy’: 2025 Breeders’ Cup Generates $125 Million In Economic Impact Independent study conducted by Sport Management Research Institute found that the World Championships supported 1,023 jobs in the region. By Breeders' Cup Press...
Year of the Horse: Powering California’s Economy, Culture, and Future
Year of the Horse: Powering California’s Economy, Culture, and Future As we celebrate the Year of the Horse in 2026, there’s no better time to recognize the profound role horses play across California. Long regarded as symbols of strength, freedom, and partnership,...
Building Community on the Backstretch: Inside Santa Anita Park’s Recreation Program
Behind the scenes at Santa Anita Park, a vital community hub supports the people who make California racing possible every day. For backstretch workers whose long hours, physical demands, and dedication are foundational to the sport, the Santa Anita Recreation...
Q&A: From Internship to Career — Charles Churchill
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening California’s horse racing industry through workforce development and inclusion, 1/ST Racing, whose operations span both California and Florida, has partnered with the Ed Brown Society to create meaningful pathways for...
Santa Anita Park Begins Classic Meet With Largest Opening Day Crowd Since 2016
The largest opening day since 2016 and the largest Sunday opener this century kicked off a postponed Santa Anita Park Classic Meet in a big way Sunday. The 41,962 fans on track marked the largest Sunday curtain-raiser since 1999 in the eighth Sunday opener in the...
Racing Chaplain Brings Faith, Compassion to Del Mar’s Backstretch
Racing chaplain brings faith, compassion to Del Mar’s backstretch Originally published in the The Coast News Group By Jordan Ingram DEL MAR — As thousands of fans packed the Del Mar Racetrack for the Breeders’ Cup this past weekend, gathering beneath purple banners...
A Horse Called Maverick Finds New Purpose With Riverside County Mounted Deputies
A Horse Called Maverick Finds New Purpose With Riverside County Mounted Deputies Originally published in the LA Times By Jasmine Mendez Maverick, an emaciated Andalusian horse rescued from severe neglect in Riverside County, has gone from near-death to serving as an...
Nourishing the Backstretch: The Del Mar Meal Program
Nourishing the Backstretch: The Del Mar Meal Program Behind the thrill of each race at Del Mar is a community of dedicated men and women working tirelessly on the backstretch. Their role is vital, as they provide around-the-clock care and support for the horses that...









