Runhappy owner James “Mattress Mack” McIngvale gave a marketing talk at the recent Symposium on Racing at the University of Arizona
Frank Mirahmadi not only has promptly found his niche as Santa Anita’s track announcer, he’s a perfect fit as its goodwill ambassador as well.
Rarely at a loss for words, the ebullient Mirahmadi greeted the sunrise on a wet and windy Thursday morning at Clockers’ Corner at the Arcadia, Calif., track prior to doing an interview with Spectrum News One’s Kristen Lago.
There are seven stakes races on Saturday’s opening day program, headed by the Grade1 Runhappy Malibu, the G1 La Brea, and the G1 American Oaks.
The Malibu is sponsored by Runhappy, winner of the 2015 Malibu who ran medication-free prior to being voted that year’s Eclipse Award-winning sprinter. Jim McIngvale, popularly known as “Mattress Mack,” stands Runhappy at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky., where he owns some 75 percent of the stallion’s breeding rights, with a stud fee of $25,000.
Claiborne also stands super stud War Front, sire of Omaha Beach, Jon White’s 4-5 morning line favorite to win Saturday’s Malibu.
“When I flipped through the calendar we’re giving away on opening day, there were pictures of several horses that are running in Saturday’s stakes,” said Mirahmadi, whose passion for the game is unflagging. “That gives you an indication of the outstanding card (Vice President of Racing and Racing Secretary) Steve Lym and his staff has assembled.
“There’s a beautiful picture of Gift Box in a dramatic photo with McKinzie (winning the Santa Anita Handicap by a nose), and Bellafina, with her ears up.
“I called Runhappy’s win in the 2015 Malibu. That night, Mack’s group was celebrating at a steak house in Pasadena, and Bernie Sams of Claiborne Farm was in attendance. Mack showed me his socks which were bright yellow and that was an indication Claiborne Farm was the frontrunner to stand him.
“After Mr. McIngvale delivered the keynote speech at the University of Arizona’s Symposium on Racing earlier this month, he flew here to get a complete tour of Santa Anita. He absolutely loves Santa Anita Park and is proud to now be a huge sponsor.”
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