For horse racing followers, one true indicator of summer season is when Del Mar Thoroughbred Membership opens its doorways for its famed meet. The long-lasting San Diego-area observe is an unbelievable place to go to whether or not you’re a lifelong fan of racing or if this can be your first journey to the observe.
In case you fall into the latter class — or if you happen to’re planning your first journey to Del Mar this summer season — scroll down for all the pieces it is advisable to find out about this 12 months’s summer season season.
Who: Elite horses and prime human connections from West Coast and past
Getting into its eighty fifth season, Del Mar is THE place to be in the summertime for Thoroughbred racing followers, elite racehorses, and the perfect trainers, jockeys, and house owners on the West Coast.
The observe has put collectively a sturdy stakes schedule for this summer season that includes 39 stakes races that may provide almost $7.9 million in purses. This improbable slate contains six stakes which were designated as “Win and You’re In” Problem Sequence occasions, which means that every winner will obtain an automated, expenses-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup, which can be held for the third time within the occasion’s historical past at Del Mar this fall on Nov. 1-2. The annual spotlight occasion is the $1 million FanDuel Racing Pacific Traditional Stakes on Aug. 31, a “Win and You’re In” Problem Sequence race for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Traditional.
What: The place the turf meets the surf
Nestled within the seaside metropolis of Del Mar simply north of San Diego, Del Mar is a horse lover’s paradise. Adjoining to the Pacific Ocean, the observe is called “the place the turf meets the surf” and has change into a bucket-list vacation spot for racing followers the world over.
Since its inception, Del Mar has been a magnet for stars of each the human and equine persuasion; it’s not unusual to see sports activities luminaries, actors, musicians, and titans of business taking within the races on any given day.
Enjoyable truth: Del Mar’s foremost observe is a one-mile grime oval with chutes for seven-eighths of a mile races and 1 ¼-mile races, and the inside turf course is seven-eighths of a mile with chutes for 1 1/16- and 1 1/8-mile races.
When: Saturday, July 20 via Sunday, Sept. 8
Del Mar is the summer season candy spot for the West Coast, and the observe holds races every week from Thursday via Sunday (Saturday and Sunday for the primary week) and Labor Day Monday. Each Thursday is “Free and Simple.” Obtain free stretch run admission, a free program, and a free seat, plus reductions on sure foods and drinks objects at concession stands.
The large racing days are listed beneath, however be sure you try the observe’s calendar for extra particulars and occasions.
July 20 – Opening Day highlighted by San Clemente Stakes together with yearly hat contest and After Pony Celebration
July 21 – Beer Fest with meals, enjoyable, and brews
July 25 – Cougar II Stakes
July 27 – Bing Crosby Stakes and San Diego Handicap
July 28 – Eddie Learn Stakes
Aug. 3 – Uncorked Wine Competition with racing highlighted by Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
Aug. 4 – La Jolla Handicap
Aug. 10 – Tacos & Tequila Competition with racing highlighted by Yellow Ribbon Handicap and Sorrento Stakes
Aug. 11 – Finest Pal Stakes
Aug. 17 – Del Mar Oaks with 2024 Breeders’ Cup tumbler giveaway
Aug. 24 – Style of New Orleans with racing highlighted by Pat O’Brien Stakes
Aug. 25 – Rancho Bernardo Handicap
Aug. 31 – FanDuel Racing Pacific Traditional, Del Mar Mile, Del Mar Handicap, Inexperienced Flash Handicap and Torrey Pines Stakes
Sept. 1 – Household Enjoyable Day with racing highlighted by the Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby
Sept. 2 – Particular Monday card for Labor Day
Sept. 7 – Faculty Day with racing highlighted by the FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante and John C. Mabee Stakes
Sept. 8 – Closing Day with racing highlighted by the Del Mar Futurity and Del Mar Juvenile Turf
Enjoyable truth: Del Mar has a later beginning time than most tracks. Races start at 2 p.m. PT most days (shifting to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 31) and 4 p.m. on Fridays (3 p.m. beginning Aug. 16) in order that followers have the possibility to discover the realm across the observe earlier than their day on the races begins.
The place: Del Mar, Calif.
Del Mar is a surprising seaside resort simply outdoors of San Diego, and the realm actually has one thing for everybody: along with the observe, there are alternatives for golf, tennis, browsing, horseback driving on the seashore, and a lot extra. A weekend at Del Mar guarantees leisure, journey, and unbelievable pure magnificence.
Enjoyable truth: The lyrics to Del Mar’s official track, “The place the Turf Meets the Surf,” encourages followers to “take a airplane, take a prepare, take a automotive.” That is nice recommendation, since Del Mar is reachable through San Diego Worldwide Airport, has an Amtrack station in Solana Seaside (one mile from Del Mar), and has ample parking.
Why: A summertime playground
When Santa Anita Park opened outdoors of Los Angeles in 1934, it was an prompt success. That acquired stockbroker William Quigley considering, and he teamed up with Hollywood star Bing Crosby to create Del Mar, a racetrack that will change into residence to elite summer season racing in California.
The observe formally opened for enterprise in 1937, and that 12 months hosted the famed, winner-take-all match race between Seabiscuit and Ligatori – the very first nationally broadcasted Thoroughbred race through NBC Radio.
Enjoyable truth: Del Mar continues to be the positioning of a number of the largest horse races within the nation – for instance, the 2016 Pacific Traditional was a showdown between fan favorites California Chrome, Beholder, and Dortmund.
What to Anticipate in 2024
The gates open to followers two hours previous to first put up time and each day applications are included with admission. Youngsters 17 years of age and below obtain free admission however should be accompanied by a father or mother or authorized guardian always. Diamond Membership members achieve entry to unique giveaways and unlock on a regular basis reductions on the observe, together with on Opening Day.
Morning exercises are open to the general public!
Wanna Wager?
It’s extremely straightforward to guess Del Mar, even if you happen to’re not in a position to attend. It’s authorized in lots of states to guess from residence utilizing what’s referred to as an “advance deposit wagering” platform – basically an app or web site that lets you load up your account and guess from wherever you want. One piece of recommendation: the important thing phrase right here is “advance,” so be certain that to set your account up as early as doable as a result of generally it takes a day to course of the funds. The official wagering platform of the Del Mar meet is FanDuel Racing, so hold a watch out for promotions and sign-up offers from them throughout the season.
Del Mar additionally has launched its Del Mar Cell App that enables racing followers on-site to guess from the palms of their arms.
In case you’re new to betting through app, the crew at America’s Finest Racing has created the main instrument within the sport for determining make your bets and what they’ll value: ABR’s Playing Calculator.
Searching for extra info on begin taking part in the ponies? We’ve a put up referred to as “Betting on Horse Racing, Defined” with a concentrate on bettors similar to you. Right here’s a style to whet your urge for food:
The Fundamentals
Win guess – A guess on a horse to complete first.
Place guess – A guess on a horse to complete first or second.
Present guess – A guess on a horse to complete within the cash; third or higher.
Within the cash – A horse that finishes first, second, or third.
Throughout the board – A guess on a horse to win, place, and present. If the horse wins, the bettor collects 3 ways; if second, two methods (place, present); and if third, a method, dropping the win and place bets. It is really three bets.
Morning line – The chances that the observe handicapper predicts a horse can be to win the race when it begins.
Enjoyable truth: The most important payout for a $2 win guess in Del Mar’s historical past got here in 1955 when Cipria returned a whopping $263.40 to savvy bettors who guess on her.
Should-dos:
Need to have the final word Del Mar expertise? After all, you do! Listed here are our suggestions for …
On the observe
The Paddock
Among the best locations to spend time between races is Del Mar’s paddock. A graduated viewing space surrounds the saddling enclosure, giving followers the proper view of the horses and their people as they put together for every race.
17 Arms
The most effective tacos at Del Mar may be discovered at 17 Arms, a restaurant, bar, and wagering space positioned proper subsequent to the paddock. Seize a chunk and settle in to people- and pony-watch.
Del Margarita
In case you like cocktails, you’re going to like a Del Margarita. The observe’s signature drink is comprised of a double shot of tequila, margarita combine, a splash of Patrón Citrónge, orange juice, soda water, and a lime wedge. It’s an extremely refreshing technique to rejoice a day at Del Mar.
Lunch and Drinks at Veranda Café
Some of the stunning locations to take pleasure in a late lunch or cocktails at Del Mar is the Veranda Café, notably the patio. It overlooks the paddock (the realm the place the horses are saddled earlier than every race) with one of the crucial spectacular views you would ever hope for.
Silks Present Store
Del Mar’s Silks reward store is without doubt one of the greatest in horse racing. Whether or not you’re trying to find a memento of your weekend or in search of the proper current, it’s a must-visit vacation spot when you’re on the observe.
Round City
L’Auberge
Searching for a bit of luxurious? L’Auberge is the premier lodge in Del Mar, providing eating places, a spa, and an unbelievable bar scene after every day of racing. It’s the place to see and be seen as soon as the races are over, and also you’ll run into trainers, house owners, and even jockeys within the bar space on any given night. It’s a must-visit, even if you happen to don’t plan on staying in a single day.
Browsing Classes
In case you’ve by no means tried your hand at browsing, a weekend at Del Mar is the proper time to strive it out. Del Mar Surf College is correct on the town, they usually provide newbie classes that embody entry to a surfboard, wetsuit, and commemorative pictures.
Golf
In case you love golf, you’re going to adore Del Mar. The world is surrounded by golf programs, together with the long-lasting Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. Mission Bay and Balboa Golf Course are additionally native, so get able to tee up earlier than heading to the observe.
10.1.1
The Jockey Membership helps many aftercare initiatives together with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the one accrediting physique in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which inspires the retraining of Thoroughbreds into different disciplines upon completion of careers. View the entire initiatives supported by The Jockey Membership.
