February 2018
Among the historical publications in the California Thoroughbred Foundation’s Carleton F. Burke Memorial Library are two souvenir books from the Los Angeles Racing Association, Santa Anita Park, seasons 1907-08 and 1908-09, its only two seasons of existence. They are for E. J. “Lucky” Baldwin’s short-lived racetrack, which was located where the Arcadia County Park and golf course now stand.
The introduction to the earlier book showed no restraint in heralding the track:
“The Opening of this new and most modern of all Race-courses in the far West is an event in the history of mid-winter racing in America. Situated in the midst of the most beautiful section of the entire State, it affords to the new visitor such a vista of beauty as can be seen elsewhere only in the drive through the Duke of Richmond’s Park, approaching Goodwood, in England.”
The book profiles Baldwin and officers and directors; has many photographs of Baldwin’s home, properties, and famous horses; offers advertisements for a variety of products and businesses (including ostrich and pigeon farms); and gives conditions of the stakes races. The Santa Anita Handicap, 11⁄4 miles, offered a purse of $1,500 added. The California Handicap, also at 11⁄4 miles, on the other hand, had a value of $7,500 guaranteed. Both were for 2-year-olds and up “at the time of closing.”
The library also has a similar book for Ascot Park, fourth season, 1906-07. This Los Angeles-area track operated from 1903 through 1907.