Recent changes in the scope of motion picture and television filming at the Arboretum has caused some residents to question the productions' use of the facility.
The movie Seabiscuit concludes filming at Santa Anita Park race track this week. A photo shows Arcadia Mayor Gail Marshall, with Arlene Marshall, Ron Kourg and Carl Cobb.
Santa Anita Park Race Track owner Frank Stronach has met with city officials about Arcadia's concerns with the track expansion plan and future sessions will be held. The concerns centered around plans to build new barns on the north side of the property, the internal connections between the track and Westfield Shopping mall traffic and people, and architectural compatibility with the track.
Racing improprieties and cheating alleged at Santa Anita Park. "Sponging" speculations are causing an increase in security policies at Santa Anita Park. Fist-sized sponges have been allegedly placed in horses' nostrils to impede their breathing capabilities, and thus, their chances of winning.
HRTV and Santa Anita Park have announced plans for a first ever non-fiction documentary film competition entitled "A Day at the Races" for film students and filmmakers wishing to make a five-minute or less Santa Anita-based film. First prize is $10,000.
Santa Anita Park concluded its 2002-2003 season on April 20 with a total of more than $1 billion wagered during the 85-day meet. Average daily handle was $11.8 million, representing a decrease of approximately 2% from 2002.
More than $1.2 million was bet across the state in the first 11 days that computer and telephone betting was approved in this state. It is known as account wagering. There is no way of telling yet if this is affecting attendance and live betting at Santa Anita Park. Two providers of online betting, XpressBet and TV Games, where approved by the California Horse Racing Board. Xpress Bet is owned by Magna Corp., which owns Santa Anita Park.
Magna Entertainment Corporation, owners of Santa Anita Park race track, is bidding to purchase the September race dates at the Los Angeles County Fair for September 13-29. The Breeders Cup will be returning to Santa Anita Park next October after a gap of ten years.
The Universal Studios film, Seabiscuit, based on the non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand, will be filmed at Santa Anita Park race track in November and December. Arcadia mayor Gail Marshall will be an extra on the film.
Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension opens with big party. Thousands line up for free rides on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Jay Cohen (pictured), Santa Anita Park's legendary bugler plays a tune at the Arcadia Station.