Since Santa Anita opened in 1934, no other jockey won more races in a single winter/spring meet than Laffit Pincay, Jr. No other jockey won more races in a single program than Laffit Pincay, Jr. And outside of one other rider, no jockey won more meet titles in Arcadia than Laffit Pincay, Jr.

But for years, no race meet hosted a stakes race for the iconic Hall of Famer who retired after an injury in 2003. Given the amount of races and records Pincay set at Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Santa Anita throughout his illustrious career, the fact no race had his name was simply mind-boggling. It was one of those glaring omissions that inexplicably stood year after year.

But that finally changed on Opening Day of Santa Anita's 2024-2025 Classic Meet, for Pincay finally received his much deserved and long overdue honor as the Grade II San Antonio Stakes was renamed for the popular Panamanian. The timing was quite fitting, as the race happened just a couple of days before Pincay's birthday.

Eight horses assembled for this first edition of the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes: American Admiral, Ashcroft, Express Train, Goldeneye, J B Strikes Back, Katonah, Lammas and Tarantino. Of everyone in the field, only Ashcroft, Goldeneye, J B Strikes Back did not have any stakes wins or placings. As for the status of post time favorite, that went to Katonah. After winning the Pleasanton Mile and placing in Del Mar's Grade II San Diego Handicap the previous July, Katonah had been off the board in three straight Grade I stakes. Exiting the Grade I Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile in early November, Katonah had legendary European rider Frankie Dettori in the irons. The public clearly liked Katonah's chances with the class relief and the fact Dettori was teaming up with him.

The start of the mile and one-sixteenth event went well for everyone. They all raced pretty close together going into the clubhouse turn, and J B Strikes Back and Tarantino headed the group. Ashcroft got into the mix on the inside while turning, and the field was now strung out as they moved around the turn.

Ashcroft and Joel Rosario held about a neck advantage over J B Strikes Back and Antonio Fresu as they began the backstretch run. The first quarter-mile was timed in 22.71. Tarantino was nearby in third as he battled with American Admiral, while 2022 Santa Anita Handicap champion Express Train followed in fifth. Katonah, Lammas and Goldeneye were all next, well behind the leader.

It did not take long for J B Strikes Back to draw level with Ashcroft and then get his head in front. Tarantino also caught up with them down the backstretch, as did American Admiral and Express Train. Katonah joined at the tail end of that line after a half-mile of 45.67.

J B Strikes Back was the clear leader with a small advantage going into the far turn. Tarantino made his way up to second, getting up to the leader. Express Train moved to third on the outside, getting past Ashcroft. American Admiral and Katonah were still in the mix while Goldeneye and Lammas were down several lengths.

The new split was 1:09.99 for three-quarters of a mile. J B Strikes Back and Tarantino were still battling at the quarter pole with Express Train still on the outside. When they finished the turn for the stretch run, J B Strikes Back was still the frontrunner. Tarantino fought on the outside. Express Train had third on the outisde of Tarantino, but had to make up lengths on the leader. Ashcroft continued on the inside, not a factor for the win. American Admiral began closing up on Express Train's outside. J B Strikes Back still led as a mile finished in 1:36.92. Tarantino was not bridging the gap to the pacesetter. American Admiral was now in third, finishing well while going widest of the top three. He caught up to Tarantino at the wire, which meant a photo finish was guaranteed. But there was no disputing who won, as J B Strikes Back clearly held off both horses with a time of 1:43.80.

At odds of more than 16-1, J B Strikes Back made himself one of the surprises of Opening Day with a win in his stakes debut. Tarantino won the photo for place, just holding off American Admiral. Express Train completed the superfecta.

A few moments later, J B Strikes Back, Fresu, trainer Doug O'Neill and dozens of individuals joined Pincay in the winners' circle as the legend presented the trophy and no doubt enjoyed the moment. He became only the third rider, after contemporaries Bill Shoemaker and Eddie Delahoussaye, to have a race named for him at Santa Anita. It was a truly high honor that was well deserved.

After all, you can't talk about Southern California racing history without Laffit Pincay, Jr.