Another successful Derby Day in the books. If you’ve been following my blog for a while now you know that the past two years I was cheering on the horses at Arlington Park in Chicago. Last weekend I watched the horse races at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California (close to LA). There is something about Derby day that I just love, from dressing up to sipping on a mint julep as the horses race past the stands, I can’t get enough of the excitement.

This wasn’t my first time at Santa Anita Park, years ago when I was about eleven or twelve I went there with family friends. From what I remember I was in awe of the galloping horses. Growing up I used to horseback ride, learning English style when we lived on the East Coast and switching to Western once we moved to California. Lately I’ve been looking to get back into horseback riding and think I’ve found a place by my house I may try out!
One major difference between Arlington and Santa Anita is the size, I didn’t realize just how big the grounds were at the Santa Anita Park. But it’s no surprise because the history of the race tracks is just as impressive. Located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Anita Park opened in 1934. Even though it opened its gates during the midst of the Great Depression it was still successful due to the legalization of pari-mutuel gambling in 1933. (Pari-mutuel gambling means that the people betting are all betting against each other instead of the track/owner/casino). Less than half a decade later the famous horse Seabiscuit won the 1940 Santa Anita race (the movie Seabiscuit was filmed at the tracks in 2002). History was made again at the tracks in 1969 when the first female jockey, Tuesdee Testa won a horse race. In the 1984 summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, Santa Anita Park hosted the equestrian events. I am sure the grounds will be used again for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

When I go to the race tracks I like to bring a little betting money with, usually $20. It does make the races a bit more thrilling knowing you could win a little money too. This time I bet on several of the races and won a few, but nothing big. For the final race at Churchill Downs in Kentucky (which they put on the big screen) I bet $2 and ended up winning $6.60! Not as much as last year where I came in at $13 on the final race at Churchill Downs. I know, I’m quite the high roller=o)
Although I left my big hat at home I still had a blast. Watching the horse races on Derby Day has become a little tradition of mine and I hope to continue going every year =o)
x the Adventurer
Copyright © Dream of Adventures 2018. All rights reserved
First of all, you look AMAZING. And those are some seriously epic hats! The Derby is such a classic event, we really need to make it out there sometime. And you know Ben and I, we love us some sports betting!
You’ll have to teach us the Derby ropes!
Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com
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You guys would love going to the Derby! If you have horse races by you definitely go! It’s so fun =o)
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Oh this looks like such a special occasion and day out – your outfit was completely perfect for the occasion babe. You wear polka dots SO well! Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend so far…
aglassofice.com x
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Thank you for such a sweet comment, this outfit was pulled together at the last minute and it ended up working out so well =o)
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I have never been to the races but it looks like so much fun!! Absolutely adore your outfit!!! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Andrea.
Seize your Style
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Oh you have to go to the horse races some time, it’s so much fun!
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It looks like such a fun day! Betting small amounts just for fun is something I do when I’m at a casino.
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
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It is fun to bet a little isn’t it
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Oh wow! You were down the freeway from where I live! The Santa Anita Park is HUGE and love how there are so many events going on there. It’s cool that you got to go back to the race track. Glad you enjoyed your time there!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
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Have you been to the horse races there? It’s such a beautiful area
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I love going to races too! It’s so much fun. You look amazing and all the hats are fabulous 💖💞😘
http://www.elegantduchess.com
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Isn’t is a fun occasion to dress up for?!
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Aaww you look so lovely and classy at the races!
http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com
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Thank you so much xx
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Lovely photos! It looks like so much fun! 🙂 xx
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Thank you it was a blast watching the horse races
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Awwww this event looks so fun and exciting! And can I just take a minute to say how much i LOVE your outfit – that skirt is stunning and the pole dot top is gorgeous too!!
Heather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
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Thank you so much! It was a combo I put together last minute but I love the polka dot look =o)
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So much fun! Thanks for sharing! Will have to put it on my list things to do! 🙂
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These hats are amazing, even more if you know she made it herself. I have never been to the races, but I can imagine it is very exciting.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
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The horse races are so much fun! It’s exciting getting dressed up too
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Looks like you had fun dear
I love what you wore
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
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Thank you so much! It was a fun day at the races
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Awesome post! Your outfit is perfect for the event!
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Thank you so much! It was a blast watching the horse races
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This looks like so much fun and you look so awesome in that outfit!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
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Thank you =o) We had a really fun time
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This looks so fun, that one hat is crazy
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
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Doesn’t it?! It’s amazing she made the hat herself
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Haha..you are high roller aren’t you? I love that dress too. X
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Thank you =o) It’s a combo of a skirt and top I have
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👍🏼😊
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What a gorgeous backdrop to the race course, and that hat – what a statement piece that was.
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It really is a beautiful location =o) Thanks for reading
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