Racing aficionados can enjoy the sights and sounds of morning workouts at Los Alamitos from Schwanie's Grill At The Gap, a charming restaurant located in front of the turn for home on the far end of the grandstand apron. The restaurant was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Fall of 2000 and is named in honor of Blane Schvaneveldt, a training legend at Los Alamitos. Featuring an open air patio, Schwanie’s is a great spot to enjoy the fastest horses in the world working during the early morning hours. You can even catch a future Kentucky Derby winner posting his first ever workouts, as California Chrome and Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify all posted works at Los Alamitos before going on to racing greatness.
"Los Alamitos has always been a training ground for great horsemen and none represent this better than Blane Schvaneveldt," said Edward C. Allred, the owner and CEO of Los Alamitos Race Course. "Blane was known as Mr. Los Alamitos and we're very proud of having this restaurant named in his honor."
For nearly 20 years now, Schwanie's Grill At The Gap has been a popular morning hang-out for horsemen and racing fans in southern California. For schedule and more info, please call 714-820-2800.
Racing fans are also able to enjoy Schwanie's At The Gap. Fans can enjoy morning workouts and enjoy a brand new and different look at the fastest horses in the world. A great variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are served. The restaurant features a patio style deck where fans can take in all the sounds and sights of horse racing in the early morning hours. A hallway features colorful photographs of some of Schvaneveldt's memorable stakes wins with jockeys like Robert "The Master" Adair and Ralph Pauline. The room also features TVs and self-service wagering machines for fans that want to keep up with all the racing action that is simulcasted daily at the Orange County oval.
"This is a combination of a lot of ideas by a lot people," Allred added. "I think it will be a great spot for owners to socialize with others in the industry and enjoy their horses during morning workouts, especially to watch their 2-year-olds get ready for the season."
Schvaneveldt is Lo Alamitos’ all-time leader in wins and stakes wins. Over the years, the legendary horseman has saddled some of the sport's greatest stars including World Champions Refrigerator and First Down Dash, Dash For Speed, Cash Rate and Miss Thermolark.