Cheltenham Gold Cup: Distance, going play to Galopin Des Champs' strengths
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Los Alamitos Race Course
Known primarily for Quarter Horse racing, Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California kicked off its first Thoroughbred meet in 2014 for the first time in over 20 years. Since it opened in 1951, it has grown into one of the most prestigious Quarter Horse tracks in the country and now, with the closing of Hollywood Park, can offer a boutique Thoroughbred meet that will attract some of the best horses the sport has to offer.
Los Alamitos Track Layout
With the inclusion of Thoroughbred racing, the track has undergone a major overhaul. The track unveiled a brand new, one-mile oval in January of 2014 with a 1,380 foot long stretch which is the longest in the country. The dirt track is regarded as one of the softest and safest training surfaces on the West Coast.
Major Races and Events
The track boasts some marquee Quarter Horses races including the coveted Champion of Champions and the $2 million Los Alamitos Futurity. In 2014, they added several graded stakes for Thoroughbreds including the $500,000 Los Alamitos Derby (G2) and the $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes (G2). The total Thoroughbred stakes schedule offers over $1.1 million in purses.
Champion of Champions
Run in December every year, the Champion of Champions is a Grade 1 Quarter Horse race with a purse of $750,000. Contested at 440 yards or a quarter mile, the race has featured some of the great stars of the sport including Dash for Cash, Refrigerator and world record-setter Jess You and I.
Los Alamitos Derby
Formerly the Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park, the Los Alamitos Derby was run for the first time in 2014 and drew a star-studded field including champion Shared Belief. While the mile and an eighth race is a new addition to Los Al, the Grade 2 race carries a rich history since it first was run in 1964 and has produced such winners such as Majestic Light, Best Pal and Free House.
Great Lady M. Stakes
The Great Lady M. Stakes will be run for the 20th time in 2014 and the first time at Los Alamitos. The race was previously run at Hollywood Park on the turf and will get a surface switch to dirt for the 6 ½ furlong contest for the Grade 2 race with a purse of $200,000.
