If you have heard the slogan “Where the Turf meets the Surf,” you are probably aware of the Del Mar Racetrack.
It is a thoroughbred horse racing facility located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the coastal city of Del Mar, situated around 20 miles north of San Diego, California. Many recognise Del Mar Fairgrounds as the site for the San Diego County Fair.
The racetrack itself was built by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and was the result of a collaborative effort. Bing Crosby, the famous singer and actor was one of the club’s founding members.
Presently the Del Mar Fairgrounds is owned by the Californian State, while the District Agricultural Association oversees the racecourse management. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hires the facility for their horse racing events every year and hence shares the same address as the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Here is a brief insight into the Del Mar Racetrack’s history and various facilities.
Del Mar Racetrack History
Del Mar Racetrack was opened in 1937 by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The idea of starting a racecourse on the Del Mar Fairgrounds came to William A. Quigley, a former football player, and coach, who then presented it to Bing Crosby. Crosby liked the idea so much that the two partnered with Jimmy Durante, Oliver Hardy, Charles S. Howard, and Pat O’Brien to form the Del Mar Turf Club in May 1936.
The racetrack opened its doors to the public in 1937, and Crosby greeted the fans personally at the venue gates. William Quigley remained the club’s general manager until he passed away in 1942.
One of the most talked about races to date held at Del Mar was the battle between Sea Biscuit, who belonged to Charles S. Howard, and Ligaroti, a colt from the Moorpark Ventura County’s Binglin Stables. The race took place in 1938, and Sea Biscuit won the competition and bagged the $25,000 prize.
Del Mar racetrack was closed during the Second World War in 1942 and did not open till 1944. From the 1940s to the 1950s, the racecourse was the hub of summer racing events in the western region. The races held at the track offered huge amounts of prize money.
It is also where Billy Shoemaker, the famous jockey won many stake races. In the years that followed, the racetrack gained more popularity, and by the early 70s, it had become a premium horse racing facility in the country.
In the 60s, the Del Mar racecourse held race meets in the fall, but the response was not very enthusiastic. Slowly, the popularity of the Del Mar Racetrack began to dwindle. This made way for the establishment of the Oak Tree Racing Association, which held race meets at the Santa Anita Racecourse.
In the subsequent years, the racetrack underwent major changes and renovations in a bid to revive its popularity. The infield was opened for spectators in 1984. The racetrack underwent renovation in 1990, while the grandstand was also replaced.
In the early 2000s, the track’s marketing team altered their method of promoting the place and began to showcase it as a site ideal for the younger market. Social media and other platforms were used to engage the audience, and soon the racetrack was back to its glory days. The turf portion of the track was also expanded in 2013 while softening the corners so more horses could compete at a time.
The opening day of the season at the Del Mar is a major crowd puller as people turn up to participate in hat contests and attend parties. The race card for Del Mar increased in 2014 when the Hollywood Racecourse was closed down. Consequently, various races, including the Hollywood Derby and Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes, were held at the course during the fall. Del Mar also hosted its first Breeders Cup in 2017.
Del Mar Racetrack facilities
Del Mar Racetrack has a capacity of 44,000 individuals and is regarded as one of the largest horse racing sites in the western region of the country, being second only to Santa Anita Racecourse.
The racetrack is one mile long, while the races run counter-clockwise. The main track was renovated in 2014, and El Segundo Sand was installed. The inner turf track was expanded in 2013, the course was widened to 80 feet, and the corners were softened to make more room. The racetrack was briefly a site for auto-racing in the mid-60s and later in 1987 and 92.
The Fairgrounds site features six exhibit halls, a golf centre, and an arena with a seating capacity of 3,500, which is used for various sporting or musical events.
Racing Season At Del Mar racetrack
Del Mar racetrack holds racing events from July till early September. Since 2014, the latter races have been held in November as well. During non-racing parts of the year, the racecourse offers a satellite betting facility.
Major Races At Del Mar Racetrack
Del Mar Racetrack is home to various Grade 1 races, including the Pacific Classic, Del Mar Debutante, Del Mar Oaks, Eddie Read Stakes, and Bing Crosby Stakes, among others.
What is the significance of the Pacific Classic Stake Race?
The Pacific Classic is the richest race held to date on the Del Mar Racetrack, with prize money of $1,000,000. The race was held for the first time in 1991. The race runs over a distance of 1 ¼ mile on the dirt track and is reserved for thoroughbreds aged three and above.
Where can I find Del Mar Racetrack tips?
For Del Mar racetrack tips and Del Mar betting advice, there are several reputable online sources you can explore:
Horses.bettingnews.com: This site provides comprehensive betting picks, analysis, and entries for races at Del Mar Racetrack. The website also offers insight into the track’s history and the specific biases and configurations of the track which are important for bettors to understand when placing bets.
OLBG.com: OLBG offers a detailed racetrack guide for Del Mar, including information on the track’s layout and notable races. The site provides a platform for bettors to easily wager on Del Mar racing tips, highlighting the most tipped runners for each race and providing a ‘Confidence Rating’ and ‘Value Rating’ for picks.
At The Races: This site features the latest horse racing tips and advice for Del Mar, including top picks for the day’s races from Timeform and resident tipsters.
Guaranteed Tip Sheet: This resource offers free Del Mar racing tips. They guarantee their picks to win or offer your money back, which can be a reassuring option for bettors looking for reliable tips.
Del Mar Fairgrounds (www.dmtc.com): The official website for Del Mar Racetrack often provides handicapper picks and detailed insights into the races and horses, making it a credible source for information directly from the track.
These sources provide a mix of detailed race analysis, expert picks, and historical data about the track that can be invaluable for making informed betting decisions at Del Mar Racetrack.
