The Seabiscuit story was portrayed
recently in a movie with actor Tobey McGuire playing the jockey
who rode Seabiscuit. This horse raced during the late
1930's and was a icon to many people during some bleak
Depression times.
Seabiscuit ran many
races and the most memorable was at Santa Anita Park, a
picturesque racetrack in the Pasadena area. Since
Seabiscuit was stabled at Santa Anita the Park has offered
Tours through the sables during specific months of the year.
The Foothill Region of the VCCA organized this Division 1
Tour and there was a good turnout.
A luncheon was
planned nearby after the tour but many of the visitors had
never visited any racetrack and after the tour many stayed
on and watched the first two races. It was also very
interesting to watch the horses make their way to the track
through the buildings we had visited earlier, with no
horses.
Santa Anita Park was opened on December
25, 1934. It is a well maintained park and occupies a good
portion of the land area.
A tram was used to tour the visitor's
through the stable area. It was very apparent that a tram
is appropriate as the stable area can be quite crowded and is a
city unto itself.
Stable Area!
The jockey's silk room!
Our guide explains that this original barn is
the first location the horses arrive to be verified prior to each race.
Many types of testing is performed prior to each race to verify that
each horse is correct. The winner's are then brought back and
retested.
The jockey Room!
This horse played Seabiscuit in the movie, Fighting
Furrari. The horse was pretty much the same size. Actor Tobey
McGuire spent about 8 months training with Chris McKarrin to learn how to ride
in a race and was reportedly a good rider.
The trumpeter stopped and posed for a
picture. while taking this picture he noticed our Vintage Chevrolet hat
and began playing "See the USA in your Chevrolet..........". Great memory!
Second stage of preparation before the race, saddling
up.
The first race rounds the final turn in the track.
Some of our Region members enjoying losing their money.
Sitting Trackside!
Picture of Judy Lundal's loser coming in 3rd Place,
Adrenalin Cat.
