The memory of Sherwood Chillingworth, the longtime director and executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association, will be honored with The Chillingworth Stakes to be run during Santa Anita's Autumn season. Known throughout the racing industry as "Chilly", the veteran racing executive passed away last October at the age of 93.
"Chilly was one of the sport's true gentlemen," said Aidan Butler, Executive Director of California Racing Operations for The Stronach Group. "He was full of life and loved racing. He actually lived here at Santa Anita and was such a part of this place, that it is only appropriate for us to honor him with The Chillingworth Stakes."
Chillingworth first served as an Oak Tree director in 1989 and was named executive vice president in 1993, just prior to the first of four Breeders' Cups that he oversaw at Santa Anita. He also raced a number of Thoroughbreds in the name of his Paniolo Ranch or in partnerships, including Grade I winners Swing Till Dawn, Yashgan, Forzando and Valley Victory.
The Chillingworth name will be placed on the stakes race formerly named L.A. Woman Stakes, a Grade III event for fillies and mares three years old and up. Prior to 2009, the race was run during the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita as the Louis R. Rowan, named after one of the founders of the Oak Tree Racing Association.
"Santa Anita is about tradition and, especially now during this pandemic when we all long for what has been traditional, we are embracing the importance of our history," Butler continued. "That includes examining not only the names of our stakes races, but every little detail that makes Santa Anita so special."
The complete list of stakes races for Santa Anita's upcoming Autumn season is online.
