Santa Anita Park's racetrack draws thousands on opening day

ARCADIA, Calif. (KABC) -- It was one of those picture-postcard winter days at the Santa Anita Park's racetrack Friday as the winter-spring season of horse racing got underway under blue skies.

Attendees poured through the turnstiles by the thousands and got a close look at the competitors before waiting in line to place their bets.

A trio of trumpets signaled the starting gate, and, within minutes, the thoroughbreds came thundering past the finish line.

Draden Van Dyke won the opening race Friday, an auspicious start to the 78th season at Santa Anita Park.

"I had a good shot in the race, and I was just hoping I'd win it and I did," Van Dyke said. "It was cool."

For many, opening day at the picturesque park is something of a holiday tradition.

"It's fulfilling my dad's birthday gift and Christmas and coming out, so we've been doing this for many, many years," said Christine Medina of Pasadena.

Friday's races featured some of the top horses in California. It also included music and food. Santa Anita Park spokesman Mike Willman said about 30,000 people attended opening day.

"This really is one of the biggest days on the Southern California sports calendar," Willman said. "This is the day the adults get to come out and open up their presents every single race, roll around in the sandbox, just live it up, have a great time."

Santa Anita Park opened in 1934.

For more information, visit www.santaanita.com and watch ABC7 reporter Robert Holguin's report on Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. above.