Historic thoroughbred racetrack Santa Anita Park will host the second annual On Track to Beat Cancer event as part of the park’s closing day lineup. The event, which aims to support City of Hope research and treatment for women’s cancers, takes place April 22.

The 2011 “On Track to Beat Cancer” event raised more than $83,000. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

For a minimum $10 donation, racing fans can stroll down the legendary quarter-mile stretch to the winner’s circle — the same stretch graced by horse racing’s greatest legends including Zenyatta, John Henry and Seabiscuit.

“We’re thrilled to again partner with City of Hope and invite the public and our fans to join us for a celebration in the paddock and a walk down the stretch following the last race here on closing day,” said Chris Quinn, vice president of sales and marketing for Santa Anita Park. “It’s an amazing opportunity for us to celebrate our fans and cancer survivorship while supporting City of Hope’s groundbreaking research.”

Organizers encourage race attendees to wear purple to show their support for patients with breast, ovarian and other women’s cancers and City of Hope’s efforts to find a cure for the diseases. Fans also can form teams, take photos and create signs and banners dedicated to loved ones who have battled the disease.

At last year’s event, more than 2,000 participants joined actress and horse enthusiast Bo Derek as well as jockeys, trainers and horse owners to raise more than $83,000.

For more information on how to participate in Santa Anita’s “On Track to Beat Cancer,” visit www.cityofhope.org/ontrack.