Cher, Sharon Stone and Damson Idris were also in attendance at the event, which brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to a centuries-old sport
Beyoncé and Cher were among the A-list musicians taking to the race track last weekend at the first-ever California Crown, a day-long event combining thoroughbred horse racing, elevated dining and live entertainment.
Beyoncé was on hand to support SirDavis, the singer’s new American Whisky, which was a presenting sponsor of the event. While the Grammy-winner and husband Jay-Z held court in a private viewing box at Santa Anita Park, SirDavis was well-represented in the grandstands and VIP terraces below, with guests sipping on signature “Honey Bee” cocktails and sampling the new spirit at a hidden speakeasy tucked behind velvet curtains. Beyoncé’s haircare line, Cecred, was also seen throughout the track, with many of the horses sporting bibs adorned with the brand’s logo. And songs from Cowboy Carter, the singer’s country album, were on repeat all afternoon from the in-house race DJ.
This was the inaugural running of the California Crown Championship, which is part of a three-event series from racing company 1/ST that also includes Preakness Stakes in Baltimore and the Pegasus World Cup in Miami. In addition to a full afternoon of racing (and betting), the event also featured a live performance from Shaboozey, who played a track-side stage in between races. Lil Yachty, Zack Bia, Frank Walker and Gryffin, meantime, kept the music going into the night with each performing a post-race set. VIP guests were also treated to signature dishes and experiences from top LA restaurants Delilah, Funke and Wally’s.
The winning horse on “California’s Richest Day of Racing” was Argentina’s Subsanador, trained by Richard Mandella and ridden by jockey Mike Smith. The team took home the $1 million purse, along with the 22-karat gold and sterling silver trophy, designed by Chrome Hearts. Cher made a surprise appearance to help present the trophy, alongside 1/ST CEO Belinda Stronach, and Chrome Heart’s co-founder Laurie Lynn Stark.
Organizers say more than 21,000 people attended the event, with more than $23 million wagered on the ten-race card. With Beyoncé, Cher and Hollywood stars like Sharon Stone and Damson Idris in attendance, the event brought a touch of glitz and glamour to a centuries-old sport. Along with partners The h.wood Group, 1/ST says that’s exactly the goal for California Crown: to create a new experience — and new tradition — for fans in Los Angeles that brings together sports, live music and entertainment.
“The inaugural California Crown showcased that thoroughbred racing and West Coast chic go hand-in-hand,” says Stronach, citing her long-held vision to create an “elevated entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality and wagering experience.”
“Today marked a new era of excellence at the intersection of sports, entertainment and culture in Los Angeles,” adds John Terzian, Co-Founder of The h.wood Group. “Alongside 1/ST, Chrome Hearts, and best-in-class LA partners, the inaugural California Crown signaled the beginning of a distinct new West Coast tradition in a lane of its own making.”
