Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing

Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing's History

Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing is an iconic institution in the world of American horse racing, renowned for its exciting live sports events and the enthusiastic fans who flock to Del Mar, California, to witness the spectacle firsthand.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club was established in 1937 by a group of Hollywood stars including Bing Crosby, Pat O’Brien, Oliver Hardy, and Joe E. Brown. Their vision was to create a racing venue that blended the glamour of Hollywood with the thrill of thoroughbred racing. This vision was brought to life on July 3, 1937, when Bing Crosby personally greeted fans at the gate for the inaugural race.

Throughout its history, Del Mar has been the site of numerous memorable racing moments. Perhaps the most famous of these occurred in 1938 when Seabiscuit, the champion thoroughbred racehorse, scored an upset victory against Ligaroti in a high-stakes match race. This event, watched by a crowd of 20,000 spectators, put Del Mar firmly on the map in the horse racing world.

Over the years, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has evolved, but it has always remained true to its roots. The venue continues to be a meeting place for Hollywood stars, industry moguls, and horse racing enthusiasts, who all come together to enjoy the thrilling spectacle of live thoroughbred racing.

The excitement and thrill of Del Mar racing events are not limited to the rich and famous. Fans worldwide have a chance to witness the action firsthand by securing tickets to one of the live races. The summer racing season, typically held from mid-July through early September, is the highlight of the racing calendar. It features around 40 days of racing, with approximately eight races per day.

An integral part of the Del Mar experience is the opportunity to see some of the country's best jockeys and thoroughbreds compete. The track has a reputation for attracting top talent, and it's not uncommon for prize pools to reach into the millions of dollars. This makes each race not just a sporting event, but a high-stakes contest that can change the fortunes of those involved overnight.

Attending a live event at Del Mar is an experience like no other. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, as spectators eagerly watch the races, cheer on their favorite horses and jockeys, and hopefully celebrate their winning bets. It's an environment that horse racing fans relish and look forward to year after year.

In addition to the races themselves, Del Mar also offers a range of amenities and entertainment options for visitors. These include concerts, family fun days, and a variety of food and drink choices. Combined with the natural beauty of the location – the track is just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean – it's clear why Del Mar is often referred to as "where the turf meets the surf."

In conclusion, Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing represents the best of live sports entertainment. It combines the glamour, excitement, and high stakes of thoroughbred racing with the allure of Hollywood and the beauty of a California coastal location. Whether you're a horse racing enthusiast or a casual spectator, the thrill of securing tickets and attending a live event at Del Mar is an experience not to be missed.

More About Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing

In 2020, Del Mar's summer meet was a standout in the backdrop of a global pandemic. Despite holding its races without spectators for the first time in its history, Del Mar managed to put on a show that was impressive in its execution and excitement. Record-breaking wagers were placed, showcasing the sport's enduring popularity even amidst challenging circumstances.

One of the most notable events was the Bing Crosby Season, a key fixture in Del Mar's racing calendar that runs in late fall. Despite the restrictions, the 15-day season saw strong performances from jockeys and horses alike, with exciting races that fans could watch and bet on from the safety of their homes. This was a prime example of how Del Mar quickly adapted to the changing landscape of live sports events due to the pandemic, proving its resilience and commitment to the sport.

Last year, in 2021, the Del Mar Racetrack reopened its doors to live spectators, a much-anticipated move that brought back the in-person excitement that is such a significant part of horse racing. The summer meet, with almost 300,000 attendees overall, was a testament to the thrill of live sports events.

Highlighting 2021’s summer meeting was the performance of Mo Forza, a fan-favorite horse who won the Del Mar Mile in an impressive demonstration of speed and endurance. Similarly, other races like the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and the Eddie Read Stakes were won with spectacular performances from the likes of As Time Goes By and United respectively.

Del Mar continues its tradition of hosting the Breeders' Cup, one of the most prestigious events in horse racing. In 2021, it featured standout performances from Life Is Good, Corniche and Knicks Go, who delivered thrilling races for spectators at the track and those watching at home, further affirming the global appeal of the racing held at Del Mar.

The anticipation for upcoming events at Del Mar continues to build, with tickets for these races being sought after commodities. This is especially true for the 2022 Breeders' Cup, set to be hosted at Del Mar again, following its great success in the previous year. There's no doubt that this meet will draw in enthusiastic crowds eager to experience the electric atmosphere and high-caliber racing that Del Mar is renowned for.

In conclusion, Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing, despite unforeseen challenges in the recent past, has not lost a step in providing enthralling, top-level horse racing. Whether it’s watching a race in the grandstand or at home, Del Mar continues to offer unforgettable live sports events that keep fans coming back for more. With accessible options to purchase tickets online, Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing remains a top choice for those seeking a mix of tradition, excitement, and excellence in horse racing.