Inaugurated in 1935, the Santa Anita Derby is the signature West Coast steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby. Since its inception, six Santa Anita Derby winners have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby. The Santa Anita Derby is contested by 3-year-olds at a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs). Hall of Famers Gary Stevens (jockey) and Bob Baffert (trainer) have won the Santa Anita Derby nine and six times, respectively. In 2000, Jenine Sahadi, became the first woman trainer to win the Santa Anita Derby when her charge, The Deputy, won the race.
Inaugurated in 1935, the Santa Anita Derby is the signature West Coast steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby. Since its inception, six Santa Anita Derby winners have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby. The Santa Anita Derby is contested by 3-year-olds at a distance of 1 1/8 miles (9 furlongs). Hall of Famers Gary Stevens (jockey) and Bob Baffert (trainer) have won the Santa Anita Derby nine and six times, respectively. In 2000, Jenine Sahadi, became the first woman trainer to win the Santa Anita Derby when her charge, The Deputy, won the race.