California racing has been an important part of the Thoroughbred game since the 1930’s. The opening of the Del Mar meet will mark the 87th season in which fans flock to where the turf meets the surf. When entertaining icon Bing Crosby’s dream became a reality and the gates opened for the first time, could he have known his creation would still be such a haven nearly nine decades later? Having now hosted the Breeders’ Cup four times and boasting a Summer schedule that features 37 Stakes races worth over $11.6 million, this Seaside Oval located just north of San Diego is again breaking from the starting gates with authority.
Del Mar Is The Place To Be For Many Horsemen
Over the years, Del Mar has developed into one of the most iconic tracks in the world. This “playground for the stars” has developed different definitions of that moniker since Bing crooned to the first guests back on July 3, 1937. A destination spot for many of the brightest stars during Hollywood’s golden age, Del Mar has always been a place of glitz and glamour for many two-legged stars. But the four-legged stars have also been numerous during the track’s tenure. Names like Seabiscuit, Tomy Lee, Zenyatta, Beholder, California Chrome, and American Pharoah are just a scant few of the miraculous equine athletes that have toed the track at old Del Mar.
Why do the stars align at Del Mar? The competition is always fierce and for the fans that means an even more amped up adrenaline rush. For the horsemen it provides an opportunity to measure and develop athletes. The two-year-old race program is especially good as those in the game look to develop young talent.
“You really can’t beat Del Mar for many reasons”, says Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who has more wins than any other conditioner at the Seaside Oval. “The atmosphere is great and everyone looks forward to being there. The competition is top notch and the weather is fantastic which makes it good for two-year-old development because these young horses never have to miss training. Being at Del Mar is like a working vacation.”
Dedication Has Kept Del Mar At The Top Over The Years
Since that inaugural opening day, Del Mar has welcomed over 47 million fans through the turnstiles. Literally across the street from the Pacific Ocean, Bing Crosby and his partners deserve a round of applause for their site selection. Unlike other sporting venues whose popularity has come and gone over the years, this spot for the sport of kings has continued to maintain its magnificence.
“I think things start with the natural beauty of Del Mar and its near perfect location”, Says Erin Bailey, who will enjoy her twentieth summer meet overall working at Del Mar. “One of the things we have been conscience of over the years is trying to cultivate new fans and provide a great experience for all. We have something for everyone throughout the season with different festivals and experiences that are wrapped around race days. We attract new patrons by providing something familiar while introducing them to Thoroughbred racing. Once they are here, they are almost always hooked. There is nothing like a day at Del Mar.”
Commitment To The Sport Makes Del Mar A Leader In Thoroughbred Racing
The scenery is magnificent at the Seaside Oval, but the primary reason Del Mar has maintained its place of prominence in the sporting world is an unwavering commitment to excellence in Thoroughbred racing. Safety and integrity are of the utmost importance and that has provided an outstanding racing product year in and year out. With stalls to accommodate 2,000 equine athletes and racing surfaces that are considered to be some of the safest and fairest in the sport, it is no wonder why horsemen are eager to compete here. Combining an immaculate venue with superior competition has kept Del Mar in the catbird seat over the years.
“At Del Mar there is not a single person that’s not thinking about the safety and integrity of our sport day in and day out”, says Erin Bailey, a native of Alabama who has been vice president of marketing at Del Mar since 2022. “We’ve always embraced invocation while remaining deeply committed to the experience that defines our sport. I am proud of all the things that happen behind the scenes while creating the best possible experience for all parties involved. It takes everyone being committed to the shared goal of leading by example and that has allowed Del Mar to remain as a leader in this wonderful game.”
The Summer meet begins on July 17 and runs through September 7. As Bing Crosby crooned, “there’s a winner in every race and a smile on every face at Old Del Mar”
