GRADE II, $200,000 EDDIE D STAKES MARKS A RETURN TO SANTA ANITA’S HILLSIDE TURF COURSE ON AUTUMN MEET OPENING DAY, FRIDAY

THREE BREEDERS’ CUP ‘WIN & YOU’RE IN’ STAKES, FREE PARKING & ADMISSION ALL OFFERED

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2021)–With the Grade II, $200,000 Eddie D Stakes marking a return to Santa Anita’s legendary hillside turf course, interest among horseplayers is running high as entries were taken Tuesday morning for Santa Anita’s 16-day Autumn Meet opener on Friday.

Along with the Eddie D, three Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In” Challenge Race qualifiers, the Grade I, $300,000 American Pharoah, the Grade II, $200,000 Chandelier and the $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes, will headline a nine-race card with first post time at 1 p.m.

Additionally, fans will be greeted with free parking and General Admission on Friday as well as $3 draft beers and $5 Specialty Cocktails.

Santa Anita will also honor its longtime Paddock Captain, John Shear, prior to the races with a commemorative plaque acknowledging his six decades of service.  Shear, who announced his retirement at age 100 in June, gained national recognition in March of 2011 when he heroically threw himself into the path of an on-rushing loose horse, potentially saving the life of a 5-year-old girl.

Here is a brief guide to Santa Anita’s Autumn Meet opening day this Friday, Oct. 1:

11 a.m.–Admission Gates Open/Free Parking and General Admission

12:05 p.m.–John Shear Plaque Unveiling, East Paddock Gardens

1 p.m.–First Race Post Time

3 p.m.–Fifth Race, approximate post time for $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes

3:30 p.m.–Sixth Race approximate post time for Grade II Chandelier Stakes

4 p.m.–Seventh Race approximate post time for Grade II Eddie D Stakes

4:30 p.m.–Eighth Race approximate post time for Grade I American Pharoah Stakes

On all Fridays throughout the 16-day Autumn Meet which concludes on Oct. 31, fans 21 and over can enjoy $3 draft beers and $5 Specialty Cocktails.

All races throughout the 16-day Autumn Meet will be broadcast live on TVG as well as Santa Anita’s simulcast signal, which is available via RTN.com and at brick and mortar satellite locations nationwide.  For additional information regarding Santa Anita’s Autumn Meet, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.