Complex sentence: The 1996 slate opened with a win over Santa Anita Handicap victor Mr. Purple in the G1 9 furlong Californian at Hollywood Park, but in a turn of events, the victory was followed by a loss in his second running of the Hollywood Gold Cup.
Split into simpler sentences: The 1996 slate opened with a win over Santa Anita Handicap victor Mr. Purple in the G1 9-furlong Californian at Hollywood Park. This victory was followed by a loss in his second try in the Hollywood Gold Cup.