A picture-perfect afternoon set the stage at Santa Anita Park— “The Great Race Place”—as fans gathered under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-80s for the 91st running of the Santa Anita Derby, a race with a history dating back to 1935.
This year’s edition delivered a headline-making result.
So Happy pulled off a decisive upset, running down heavy favorite Potente and drawing off to win by 2 ¾ lengths in a performance that answered every question surrounding his ability to handle the 1 1/8-mile distance. Coming into the race, stamina was the unknown. Leaving it, there were no doubts.
SO HAPPY – 2026 Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby Qualifier – Photo Credit: Nancy Wilkinson
Sired by champion sprinter Run Happy—now standing in South Korea after being sold last fall—So Happy showed a different dimension, stretching his speed effectively and positioning himself as a legitimate contender for the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.
Potente, sent off as the 6-5 favorite, looked every bit the winner turning for home. A $2.4 million Fasig-Tipton purchase, he entered the race undefeated and fresh off a strong showing in the San Felipe. After securing position along the rail and fending off pressure from Robusta throughout, he appeared poised to keep his perfect record intact—until So Happy surged past with authority late.
The final order told the story:
- 1st: So Happy
- 2nd: Potente (2 ¾ lengths back)
- 3rd: Vitruvian Man (another 6 ¾ lengths behind)
- 4th: Intrepido
2026 Santa Anita Derby – Photo Credit: Nancy Wilkinson
The race was completed in 1:49.01 for 1 1/8 miles.
For trainer Mark Glatt, the victory marked his first Santa Anita Derby win—an emotional milestone. The moment carried added weight following the recent passing of his wife, Dena, in February, who had long believed in So Happy’s potential. It was a win that clearly meant more than just another graded stakes trophy.
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith was all smiles in the aftermath, guiding So Happy to a performance that likely secured his return to Churchill Downs—pending final decisions from connections. So Happy is owned by Norman Stables LLC (Saints and Sinners) and was bred in Kentucky out of So Cunning (by Blame).
Santa Anita Derby Trophy and Winners’ Blanket – Photo Credit: Nancy Wilkinson
Around the Derby Trail
It was a pivotal weekend across the country with final prep races shaping the Kentucky Derby field:
- At Keeneland Race Course, Further Ado dominated the Blue Grass Stakes with an emphatic 11-length victory, stamping himself as one of the leading contenders.
- At Aqueduct Racetrack, longshot Albus (11-1) captured the Wood Memorial Stakes, earning his spot in the Derby starting gate.
Supporting Stakes at Santa Anita
The undercard featured several notable performances:
- Echo Eddie Stakes: Sammy Davis
- Grade II Santa Anita Oaks: Meaning
- Evening Jewel Stakes: Another Zero
2026 Santa Anita Oaks Winner Meaning – Photo Credit: Nancy Wilkinson
Current Kentucky Derby Points Leaders
With the prep season now complete, the leaderboard stands as follows:
- Commandment – 150
- Further Ado – 135
- Renegade – 125
- So Happy – 115
- Fulleffort – 110
With the field taking shape, the road now leads to Churchill Downs—where questions get answered, and new stories are written.
