Just being real, there are sporting venues and then there are sporting venues. Now, if you are catching the drift, you understand certain places are just special. If you have ever visited the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, then you understand that “special” moniker.
Way back in 1937, Bing Crosby lead a group of individuals that had a purpose. Creating a piece of heaven on earth was their vision and here some 87 years later millions of people can attest it has been mission accomplished. As the Seaside Oval prepares to launch their 2024 season on July 20, the excitement runs like a Thoroughbred down the stretch.
“The Del Mar meet is always a very exciting and fun time”, says trainer Bob Baffert who currently holds the record for most stakes wins at Del Mar (168) and most overall wins (624). “It’s like a working vacation. All the owners love to come and watch their horses train and run much like Saratoga. You can go to the beach in the morning and then the races in the afternoon. You can’t beat that.”
Running through September 8, the Summer Meet will feature 39 Stakes races worth a combined $7,875,000. Six of those Stakes races are also Breeders’ Cup “win and you’re in” events that guarantees a spot in the starting gates at the 2024 Cup, which will be contested at Del Mar this November.
Deemed the “playground for the stars” back in the early days, Del Mar has always been a popular destination. Located just 20 miles north of San Diego and 100 miles south of Hollywood, the surf and turf here features both a beautiful landscape and top competition on the track. Large fields and unpredictability can yield nice returns for the wagering public which only adds to the attractiveness.
“There’s a winner in every race and a smile on every face down at old Del Mar”- Bing Crosby
