I don’t know what is more beautiful–the horses or the buildings and grounds at the Santa Anita racetrack in Arcadia. I am not a gambler, but I love to go to Santa Anita early in the morning to watch the trainers take the horses out on the track for an early morning workout. I pick up a cup of coffee at Clockers Corner, not far from the stables, and sit, along with a dozen or so men–no women, except me–and admire the view.
The race track was founded by Lucky Baldwin back in the late 1800s, but the building you see today goes back only to 1934. It is a beauitful example of Art Deco style.
Baldwin made his fortune in the Comstock gold mine and proceeded to buy up thousands of acres of land in Southern California. He founded the city of Arcadia, selling off his property, lot by lot. For a while he was mayor of that new city.
The last part of his estate was the land that has become the Los Angeles Arboretum, just across the street from the race track. His ornate Victorian Queen Anne style home and stables are still standing in the Arboretum.
The six week racing season started yesterday and culminates in The Breeder’s Cup, one of the most important horse races in America.
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