1/ST, in partnership with The h.wood Group, has announced the inaugural California Crown event at Santa Anita Park, scheduled for Saturday, 28 September.
The horseracing event is offering $3m in total purses and featuring performances by artists including Gryffin, Lil Yachty and Shaboozey.
The California Crown is part of 1/ST’s Grand 3 $25m racing and incentive series, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Pegasus World Cup.
The series offers bonuses for winning horses, with a $5m bonus for any horse that wins all three races in the series. Additionally, a $2.5m bonus is available for turf race winners of the Dinner Party Stakes, California Crown John Henry Turf and the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational.
The event will replace the Awesome Again Stakes with the $1m California Crown (GI), along with two other major races: the $750,000 California Crown John Henry Turf (GII) and the $750,000 California Crown Eddie D Turf Sprint (GII).
These races will take place at Santa Anita Park's downhill turf course, featuring the only right-hand turn in American racing.
In collaboration with The h.wood Group, a Los Angeles-based hospitality company, the event will incorporate luxury hospitality experiences. The h.wood Group will oversee areas such as the Delilah Trackside Terrace Box Seats and Funke Premium Box Seats, offering curated dining experiences and premium viewing areas for race attendees.
1/ST has partnered with Chrome Hearts to create the official California Crown championship trophy.
Ticket prices for general admission are set at $25, with premium options ranging from $750 to $15,000. These tickets provide various levels of access, including gourmet dining and exclusive seating areas.
The California Crown will also feature a 'Photo Finish' best-dressed competition with $25,000 in prizes, encouraging attendees to showcase their fashion styles.
In October 2023, 1/ST partnered with Tabcorp, an Australian wagering and entertainment company. This partnership allows Tabcorp to offer fixed odds and tote betting on 1/ST Content’s racetracks, expanding its international racing offerings.
