Oak Tree Racing Association
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The Oak Tree Racing Association is a not-for-profit corporation that exsists to conduct live thoroughbred racing in Southern California.
[edit] History
In 1968, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club the operators of Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California decided to inform California racing authorities that they did not intend to use the fall dates they were granted and to instead race only a summer meet. Clement Hirsh, a leading trainer, as well as other horsemen and fans were deeply opposed to the move which had the effect of ending live racing in Southern California from September 1 to November 1.
Hirsch decided to do something and formed the Oak Tree Racing Association. The Association decided against purchasing a racetrack or constructing a new one. Instead they rented Santa Anita Park for the first time in 1969 and they remain there to this day. Generally run in September/October, Oak Tree is considered to be one of the finest race meetings in the country and is renowned for excellent turf racing.
Oak Tree has held three Breeders' Cups, in 1986, 1993 and again in 2003. The track conducts many race that lead up to the World Thoroughbred Championships.
