The San Diego Traveler

And They’re Off… Racing Season Begins at Del Mar

by Carole A. Lane on July 15th, 2007

Wednesday, July 18, is opening day for the 68th summer of racing at Del Mar. If you’ve never been to the races, it’s more than just some horses running in circles while people gamble. A day at the races is actually a social event, with food, drinks, and of course, the all-important seeing and being seen.

The traditional Hat Contest will mark the beginning of the season, with winners in the following categories:

• Best Racing Theme
• Funniest/Most Outrageous
• Most Glamorous
• Best Fresh Flowers/All Others

Admission

Admission prices start at $10, with free admission to children 17 and under, and active military. There are other specials for weekdays, advance tickets, groups, and so on. This information is all available online.  Tickets are also available online. 

Carl’s Jr. has a special offer, including grandstand admission and program, reserved seating section, a hot dog and a soft drink or a beer, all for $8.

How to Bet

If you’ve never been to a horse race, Newcomers’ Seminars are held daily (except for opening day) at 1:00 to 1:45 p.m., and 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. on Fridays in front of the Plaza de Mexico stage, hosted by Tom Connolly and guests.

It should be noted that the new track surface will affect handicapping at the track this year.  Free Handicapping Seminars will occur trackside at the west end of the Grandstand every Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus Labor Day. Top horsemen, handicappers and members of the media analyze the day’s races and provide selections in these 45 minute seminars, presented by Daily Racing Form.

Fridays, July 20, 27, August 3, 10:

• 3:00-3:30 p.m.

Fridays,  August 17, 24, 31

• 2:30-3:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays:

• 12:30-1:15 p.m.

On Pacific Classic Day, August 19- 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 

Polytrack

Last year, there were eighteen tragic injuries to the horses at Del Mar, contributing to the 104 equine deaths at Del Mar since 2001. Prior to opening this year, Del Mar spent months installing Polytrack, a $9 million engineered surface, in hopes of cushioning the track for the horses, and avoiding injuries.

Polytrack is a mix of silica sand, synthetic fibers and wax, which is installed over porous asphalt, clean stone, filter fabric, and a sophisticated drainage system.

Click here for photos and information about the installation of Polytrack at Del Mar.

New Horse Tracking System

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will offer for the first time a new feature called Trakus, a system that electronically follows the horses in a race and presents different animated views of their progress on the track’s infield video board. All runners will carry a transmitter in their saddle clothes so their exact location can be followed and displayed on two large screens, one offering an animated horse race and the other a numbered “chicklet” version of the same thing. The Trakus system uses real-time, in-motion graphics.

An additional feature is an instantaneous, full-field running order posted throughout all races, replacing the old 1-through-4 posting that previously was offered during the running. The Trakus system also will be a part of the presentation for Del Mar simulcasting and on in-house, closed-circuit Trakus TV. Further, Del Mar’s web site will feature Trakus information that will include exact distances all horses have run in each race.

By adding Trakus to its race presentations, Del Mar becomes the first racetrack in the west to offer the system for its fans’ benefit. Keeneland Race Course in Kentucky and Woodbine Race Course near Toronto, Canada are the other tracks in North America that currently feature it.

Behind-the-Scenes Brunch

Every Saturday and Sunday morning from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. during racing season, you can come to the track to watch morning workouts. Trackside announcer and former jockey Jeff Bloom will provide behind-the-scenes information while you get an up-close look at many of your favorite horses while they tune up for their next race.

Then head over to the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant overlooking the track for a breakfast buffet for $10.95. 

On July 28 and August 25, from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. free donuts, coffee and orange juice will be offered with a behind-the-scenes look into thoroughbred racing with track announcer Trevor Denman.

Special Events

In addition to racing, there will be free concerts and festivals at the track on Fridays and on Saturdays and closing day. The track is closed on Tuesdays. Here is a sampling of special events expected this year.

• July 18 - Opening Day; Hat Contest; Oceanside Stakes
• July 20 - Jack Daniel’s presents Unwritten Law
• July 21 - Book signing by Steve Davidowitz, author of The Best & Worst of Thoroughbred Racing
• July 22 - Fleet Treat Stakes; Family Fun Day with SpongeBob SquarePants and the San Diego Symphony Family Concert
• July 23 - Restaurant/Bar Appreciation Day
•  July 27 - Jack Daniel’s presents Satellite Party featuring Perry Farrell
• July 28 - Microbrew Festival in the Infield, featuring the music of Common Sense between the races; Legends of Beach Volleyball 
• August 3 - Jack Daniel’s presents Violent Femmes
• August 4 - Beach party and infield concert by The Cult, sponsored by Coors Light
• August 7 - California Equine Retirement Foundation’s 6th annual golf classic at Del Mar Country Club
• August 10 – Jack Daniel’s presents Pinback
• August 11 - Beach Chair giveaway; Western Regional Chili Cookoff & Salsa Contest
• August 14 - Ninth Annual Circle of Friends Golf Tournament at La Costa Resort & Spa
• August 17 – Jack Daniel’s presents Cake
• August 19 - Pacific Classic Day; Fleece Pullover Giveaway
• August 24 - Jack Daniel’s presents Pete Yorn
• August 25 - Ziggy Marley will headline the Reggae Festival, sponsored by Heineken; Other reggae acts will perform throughout the day in between races.
• August 26 - Diamond Club Free Admission
• August 31 - Jack Daniel’s presents Angels & Airwaves
• September 3 - Frosted Pint Glass Set Giveaway; Jockey Photo Day
• September 5 - Closing day; free Party in the Paddock, featuring two-time track performer Super Diamond, accompanied by a party to celebrate the end of the season

For the full list of Del Mar feature races and track events, see the online events schedule.

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