Santa Anita Park joins the worldwide relief effort to aid the victims of the massive Indian Ocean tsunami by auctioning off a special day at the races on March 5, Santa Anita Handicap day. All proceeds are earmarked for the AmeriCares Foundation Tsunami Relief Fund. "The death tolls are staggering and still rising, noted Chris McCarron, vice president for industry relations for Santa Anita's owner, Magna Entertainment Corp. "Santa Anita is just one of thousands of companies joining millions of people around the world to provide assistance."The auction, available on eBay, guarantees an exclusive "VIP Day at the Races" on March 5. The winning bidder will be treated to lunch for two in Santa Anita's famed director's room, which is normally closed to the public. McCarron, a former Hall of Fame jockey, will also conduct an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Santa Anita for the winning bidder. The highlight of the day will be a trip to the Santa Anita winner's circle, where the winning bidder will join the winning owner, trainer, jockey and horse for the trophy presentation of the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap. Seabiscuit won the storied race in the final race of his legendary career in 1940.The minimum bid is $250, and the auction continues through Jan. 15.
The hyperlink for the Santa Anita Handicap package is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16122&item=6503662187&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW