Latest
The Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California

Del Mar’s racetrack, where the turf meets the surf

by

Photo: Spatms, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club opened its track in 1937, led by Bing Crosby with actor Pat O’Brien and other Hollywood investors. Crosby greeted fans at the gate on opening day, and his song about the track, “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” became its slogan.

The track sits on the San Diego County fairgrounds near the beach in Del Mar, owned by the state and run by the 22nd District Agricultural Association.

Famous races

In 1938, Seabiscuit beat Ligaroti in a match race at Del Mar, a race that drew national attention. Hollywood stars came to the races through the 1940s and 1950s. Del Mar has hosted the Breeders’ Cup, the most important races in American thoroughbred racing, in 2017 and 2021.

The summer meet

Del Mar’s main racing season runs from July into September, and opening day is a social event with hats and fashion contests. The track also runs a shorter fall meet. The San Diego County Fair, held on the same grounds in June and early July, draws more than a million visitors in good years.

Pressures

Horse racing has been under pressure nationally over horse deaths and declining betting. Del Mar has adopted safety measures and has had a better safety record than some tracks. It remains a major summer draw, filling hotels, restaurants and rentals in North County, and is part of what gives Del Mar its identity.

More in Business