Santa Anita changes race names and honours Zenyatta and Awesome Again
It was under contemplation that, the names of some of the races would be changed for the Santa Anita Park mega-event. The decision was announced on 13th July, 2012, and some of the names of the meetings have been changed.
The new names of the races come from a variety of origins which have roots in his history of this meet. Some events have been named after some of the best runners seen in the United States.
Previously, known as the Grade 1 Lady’s Secret, will now be known as Zenyatta Stakes, which is scheduled to take place on 29th
September, 2012. This chang has been planned for the past two years but, it was finalized this week.
Zenyatta, trained by John Shirreffs, prevailed in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita in 2009, which was one of the biggest victories of her career. An event named after her just seems to be the right thing to do, since the daughter of Street
Cry, foaled by mare Vertigineux, has won 19 of her 20 career starts.
Races that were previously named after the founders of Oak Tree such as Clement Hirsch, Lou Rowan, and Harold Ramser, will now be called the John Henry Turf Championship, L.A. Woman Stakes, and Autumn Miss Stakes.
The Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes has now been named after the Frank Stronach runner, and will be called the Awesome Again Stakes, due to take place on 29th
September, 2012.
Awesome Again, son of Deputy Minister, foaled by mare Primal Force, triumphed in nine of his twelve starts and, had earnings of $4,374,590. His victories include the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic which he won at Churchill Downs on 7th
November, 1998.
Rodeo Drive Stakes is the new name for the Yellow Ribbon Stakes, while the Norfolk Stakes is now known as the FrontRunner Stakes.
The Oak Tree Mile will now be referred to as the Arroyo Seco Mile which will be held on 6th October, 2012, whereas the Grade 1 Ancient Title Stakes also on the same card has been renamed as the Santa Anita Sprint Championship.
The meet at Santa Anita starts on 28th September, 2012, with the Eddie D. Stakes previously known as the Morvich Stakes and ends with the Las Palmas Stakes, now the Goldikova Stakes on 4th November, 2012.
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