For horse racing followers, one true indicator of summer season is when Del Mar Thoroughbred Membership opens its doorways for its famed meet. The enduring San Diego-area monitor is an unbelievable place to go to whether or not you’re a lifelong fan of racing or if this shall be your first journey to the monitor.
Should you fall into the latter class — or should you’re planning your first journey to Del Mar this summer season — scroll down for every little thing you have to learn about this 12 months’s summer season season.
Who: Elite horses and prime human connections from West Coast and past
Coming into its 86th season, Del Mar is THE place to be in the summertime for Thoroughbred racing followers, elite racehorses, and one of the best trainers, jockeys, and house owners on the West Coast.
The monitor has put collectively a strong stakes schedule for this summer season that includes 38 stakes races that may supply $7.825 million in purses. This unbelievable slate contains six stakes which have been designated as “Win and You’re In” Problem Collection occasions, which means that every winner will obtain an computerized, expenses-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup, which shall be held for the fourth time within the occasion’s historical past (and for the second consecutive 12 months) at Del Mar this fall on Oct. 31-Nov. 1. The annual spotlight occasion at Del Mar is the $1 million FanDuel Racing Pacific Traditional Stakes on Aug. 30, a “Win and You’re In” Problem Collection 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 monitor is called “the place the turf meets the surf” and has grow to be 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 trade taking within the races on any given day.
Enjoyable truth: Del Mar’s foremost monitor 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: Friday, July 18 by means of Sunday, Sept. 7
Del Mar is the summer season candy spot for the West Coast, and the monitor holds races every week from Thursday by means of Sunday (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the primary week) and Labor Day Monday. Each Thursday is “Free and Straightforward.” Obtain free stretch run admission, a free program, and a free seat, plus reductions on sure food and drinks gadgets at concession stands.
The massive racing days are listed under, however make sure to take a look at the monitor’s calendar for extra particulars and occasions.
July 18 – Opening Day highlighted by the Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes, together with yearly hat contest and After Pony Celebration
July 19 – San Clemente Handicap plus a Beer Pageant from 1-5 p.m. PT with meals, enjoyable, and brews
July 20 – Savory Sundays kicks off with barbecue by Brandt Beef. Savory Sundays is a weekly celebration of coastal favorites, highlighting a special native restaurant each Sunday within the Plaza de Mexico
July 26 – Bing Crosby Stakes and San Diego Handicap
July 27 – Eddie Learn Stakes, plus Savory Sundays that includes Pizza Port
Aug. 2 – Uncorked Wine Pageant with racing highlighted by Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
Aug. 3 – La Jolla Handicap, plus Savory Sundays that includes sliders from Ranch 45
Aug. 9 – Tacos & Tequila Pageant with racing highlighted by Yellow Ribbon Handicap and Finest Pal Stakes
Aug. 11 – Sorrento Stakes, plus Savory Sundays that includes Asian-inspired Kobe burgers from Tambayan
Aug. 16 – Del Mar Oaks with 2025 Breeders’ Cup tumbler giveaway
Aug. 17 – Solano Seaside Stakes, plus Savory Sundays that includes Monarch Ocean Pub
Aug. 23 – Style of New Orleans with racing highlighted by Pat O’Brien Stakes
Aug. 24 – Rancho Bernardo Handicap, plus Savory Sundays that includes spring rolls and Mahalo shaved ice by Lia’s Lumpia
Aug. 30 – Pacific Traditional Day with a stacked card that additionally contains the Del Mar Mile, Del Mar Handicap, Inexperienced Flash Handicap, and Torrey Pines Stakes
Aug. 31 – Household Enjoyable Day with racing highlighted by the Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby. Plus, Savory Sundays that includes duck tacos and Kobe beef sliders from Pamplemousse
Sept. 1 – Particular Monday card for Labor Day with racing highlighted by the Beneficiant Portion Stakes
Sept. 6 – Faculty Day with racing highlighted by the Del Mar Debutante and John C. Mabee Stakes
Sept. 7 – Closing Day (plus Savory Sundays) 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. 30) and 4 p.m. on Fridays (3 p.m. beginning Aug. 15) in order that followers have the prospect to discover the world across the monitor 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 world really has one thing for everybody: along with the monitor, there are alternatives for golf, tennis, browsing, horseback using 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 aircraft, take a prepare, take a automobile.” 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 on the spot success. That received stockbroker William Quigley considering, and he teamed up with Hollywood star Bing Crosby to create Del Mar, a racetrack that will grow to be dwelling to elite summer season racing in California.
The monitor formally opened for enterprise in 1937, and that 12 months hosted the famed, winner-take-all match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti – the very first nationally broadcasted Thoroughbred race through NBC Radio.
Enjoyable truth: Del Mar continues to be the location 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. Flightline gained the Pacific Traditional throughout his 2022 Horse of the 12 months marketing campaign.
What to Count on in 2025
The gates open to followers two hours previous to first put up time and each day packages are included with admission. Youngsters 17 years of age and below obtain free admission however have to be accompanied by a father or mother or authorized guardian always. Diamond Membership members acquire entry to unique giveaways and unlock on a regular basis reductions on the monitor, plus completely happy hour specials. Obtain the Del Mar Cellular App to unlock membership perks.
Morning exercises are open to the general public!
Wanna Guess?
It’s extremely simple to wager Del Mar, even should you’re not in a position to attend. It’s authorized in lots of states to wager from dwelling utilizing what’s known as an “advance deposit wagering” platform – basically an app or web site that permits you to load up your account and wager from wherever you want. One piece of recommendation: the important thing phrase right here is “advance,” so ensure that to set your account up as early as doable as a result of typically it takes a day to course of the funds.
Diamond Membership Account Wagering is the official betting platform for Del Mar when visiting the monitor. Use the Del Mar cellular app if you’re on web site or log in at dmtc.com/wager.
Should you’re new to betting on-line, the crew at America’s Finest Racing has created the main device within the sport for determining easy methods to make your bets and what they’ll value: ABR’s Playing Calculator.
Searching for extra info on easy methods to begin taking part in the ponies? We’ve a put up known as “Betting on Horse Racing, Defined” with a concentrate on bettors identical to you. Right here’s a style to whet your urge for food:
The Fundamentals
Win wager – A wager on a horse to complete first.
Place wager – A wager on a horse to complete first or second.
Present wager – A wager 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 wager 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 percentages that the monitor handicapper predicts a horse shall be to win the race when it begins.
Enjoyable truth: The largest payout for a $2 win wager in Del Mar’s historical past got here in 1955 when Cipria returned a whopping $263.40 to savvy bettors who wager on her.
Should-dos:
Wish to have the final word Del Mar expertise? In fact, you do! Listed below are our suggestions for …
On the monitor
The Paddock
Top-of-the-line locations to spend time between races is Del Mar’s paddock. A graduated viewing space surrounds the saddling enclosure, giving followers the right view of the horses and their people as they put together for every race.
17 Palms
The most effective tacos at Del Mar will be discovered at 17 Palms, a restaurant, bar, and wagering space positioned proper subsequent to the paddock. Seize a chew and settle in to people- and pony-watch.
Del Margarita
Should you like cocktails, you’re going to like a Del Margarita. The monitor’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 approach to rejoice a day at Del Mar. Different featured cocktails embody the Make Your Mule, Summer time Breeze, Blood Orange Smash, and Purple Bull Wings.
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 world the place the horses are saddled earlier than every race) with some of the spectacular views you would ever hope for.
Round City
L’Auberge
Searching for somewhat luxurious? L’Auberge is the premier resort 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 should you don’t plan on staying in a single day.
Browsing Classes
Should you’ve by no means tried your hand at browsing, a weekend at Del Mar is the right time to strive it out. Del Mar Surf College is correct on the town, they usually supply newbie classes that embody entry to a surfboard, wetsuit, and commemorative images.
Golf
Should 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 monitor.
