SCARY SANTA ANITA

First-ever Breeders’ Cup Halloween festivities free for local families

Horse racing and Halloween come together at this year’s Breeders’ Cup, with a new event aimed at encouraging families and locals to join in the equestrian-based festivities. With the opening day of this year’s race falling on Oct. 31, attendees will be invited to attend the Breeders’ Cup’s first-ever Halloween Fright-Day. (General admission tickets for Fright-Day only are $5, available onsite.)

Created in collaboration by Santa Anita Park and the city of Arcadia, Fright-Day is designed with children and their parents in mind. The festivities will include trick-or-treating with snacks provided by local businesses, pony rides, pumpkin painting, photo booths, a petting zoo, themed musical performances, a dunk tank, bounce houses and more – all in Santa Anita Park’s infield. It’s free for children under age 14 and also for all Arcadia residents.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the new programming we’ve implemented and the new activities for our fans,” said Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO. “In addition to the 13 championship races, we’re utilizing the infield to provide unique experiences and entertainment options that are sure to appeal to attendees of all ages.”

Fright-Day runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Halloween, with admission through the infield entrance (at the north parking lot at Gate 6, off Colorado Place).

There will be a costume contest, so dressing up is encouraged. (Full-face masks for adults 14 and older are not permitted.)

Thousands of families and kids are expected to flock to Fright-Day and will add a colorful fresh dimension to the Breeders’ Cup opening day, where 40,000 fans will pack into Santa Anita to watch world-class thoroughbred racing televised live by NBC Sports.