Pony Up

Sirs, a question:

How will you celebrate Christmas this year (aside from unwrapping the traditional Peking duck)?

We have a suggestion: get yourself to Whiskey in Winter, a first-ever bettor’s bacchanal celebrating Opening Day at Santa Anita Park on December 26th.

You’ll be tippling in the newly renovated Chandelier Room — a stately, sun-drenched boîte that’s been updated with massive flatscreens, betting stations, plush couches and a balcony overlooking the track and San Gabriel’s.

Your ticket includes all the roasted duck brioches, lump crab and bistecca you can handle.

And a river’s worth of small-batch brown liquor — Whistle Pig, Calumet and Whippersnapper, to name a few — plus bottomless proseccos.

The doors open at 11:30 A.M., and the ten races will run from noon until 5:30 P.M. For you newcomers, here’s a little wagering 101.

See you at the races.