Ever hear of the Hollywood Walk of Fame? You see them quite often on the news, a celebrity gets a “Star” placed along Hollywood Boulevard for achievements in film, TV, even radio. A few very smart board members of our Arcadia Historical Society developed a project that honors thoroughbred racings champions, including jockeys, trainers, Kentucky Derby winners, stakes winners, even racing announcers. After all, thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita has been instrumental in making Arcadia a exciting place to live and as such its champions are now immortalized in bronze along Huntington Drive just east of Santa Anita Avenue. Beth Castanza, along with Gail Marshall, both Arcadia Historical Board members, gave us an overview and update on the Walk of Champions. There are currently sixty-seven bronze plaques measuring 24” x 24” honoring notables who have made significant contributions to California racing. Each plaque weighs about 100 pounds and is set in concrete, with rebar, by the City of Arcadia. The funding has come from many sponsors, the largest of which is Santa Anita Race Track. Lucky Baldwin founded and built the original track in 1907 and is honored on the Walk along with the likes of jockey Bill Shoemaker, Johnny Longden, Charlie Wittingham, Joe Hernandez, Eddie Arcaro, Silky Sullivan, John Henry, Seabiscuit, and more. Laffit Pincay, Jr. and Eddie Delahoussaye were named the 2014 Jockey’s of The Year. Typically, horses can be nominated about five years after retirement and entry into the Hall of Fame. You can find these beautiful plaques on the sidewalk of Huntington Drive walking eastbound from the corner of Santa Anita (north and south sides of the street continuing to First Avenue). The plaques continue eastbound on the north side past Second Avenue ending at The Derby Restaurant. So, if someone tells you to take a hike, take a walk instead, the Walk of Champions. You’ll find it fascinating to learn the achievements of those sixty-seven honorees.  Thank you Beth and Gail for reminding us of the greatness of these champions that will be there for residents and visitors to see.

(Pat Dolphin)