The Santa Anita Derby is one of the most important spring races for three year olds on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Run at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, the Grade 1 event gives leading West Coast prospects a final major test before the first Saturday in May.
Santa Anita Derby basics
The Santa Anita Derby is contested at 1 1/8 miles on dirt. The 2026 edition carried a purse of $500,000 and was held on April 4 at Santa Anita Park.
Its position on the calendar gives the race direct Kentucky Derby significance. In 2026, the Santa Anita Derby awarded qualifying points to the first five finishers on a 100, 50, 25, 15 and 10 scale, making it one of the last major opportunities to secure a place in the Kentucky Derby.
So Happy wins the 2026 Santa Anita Derby
So Happy won the 2026 Santa Anita Derby by 2 3/4 lengths over favorite Potente. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith guided the colt for trainer Mark Glatt.
The victory gave Glatt his first Santa Anita Derby win and gave Smith his fifth. It also confirmed So Happy as a Kentucky Derby qualifier after his decisive finish in the Grade 1 race.
Why the Santa Anita Derby matters
The Santa Anita Derby is a major measuring point for the California three year old division. Its timing, distance and Grade 1 status make it a natural bridge between winter preparation races and the Kentucky Derby.
Because the race regularly shapes the final Derby picture, this page will serve as OTB Bet’s permanent Santa Anita Derby reference. Future updates will add confirmed dates, fields, results and relevant historical context instead of creating thin duplicate guides.
Explore the wider season in the OTB Bet Major Races hub.
Image credit: Paul Johnston, Unsplash.