The Del Mar racecourse is one of America’s best thoroughbred horse tracks. It is located in Del Mar city in California, roughly 32 kilometres from San Diego. The race track, being a world-class thoroughbred racing destination, has welcomed many top athletes in the industry as well as California’s partygoers during summer. It was opened in July 1937 by Bing Crosby, and is the property of the State of California. It is operated by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The facility was built as a result of a partnership between Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper, Oliver Hardy and many others. Boasting a carrying capacity of roughly 44000 people, it has been ranked the second biggest racing venue in the US.
The most notable races that take place there include Del Mar Oaks, Crosby Stakes, Hirsch Stakes, Del Mar Debutante, Del Mar Futurity, Pacific Classic and the Eddie Read Stakes. Usually, the racing season runs from late July all through to early September, then begins again in November. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, races usually begin at 2pm, while on Fridays, they begin at 4:00 p.m. However, it remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The annually held Pacific Classic starts at 1:00 p.m.
In 1946, the first Crosby Stakes took place in Del Mar. Since then, the track has been the best venue for summer racing in the Western edge of America. It was renovated in the 90s, where the grandstand was pulled down and replaced. In 2000, the club hired a model called Chantal Sutherland to fly the flag of Del Mar, attracting more visitors. The 2018 summer season takes place from the 18th of July to 3rd September, with gates opening at 12 noon. The Bing Crosby season will take place from 9th November to 2nd December
Unlike some other tracks, Del Mar boasts an aura of excitement when it comes to horse riding, its sophistication and fashion. This has attracted many visitors from all over the world over the years.