Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
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Contact Info
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Del Mar, California 92014
Phone: (858) 755-1141
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the track “where the turf meets the surf,” was founded by a group headed up by crooner Bing Crosby and actor Pat O’Brien in the seaside community of Del Mar. The track has been a summer playground for horses and horsemen since it opened its gates on July 3, 1937.
The little track “where no one is in a hurry but the horses,” has blossomed into one of the nation’s leaders for daily attendance and handle and attracts top owners, trainers, riders and horses each summer. A handsome new grandstand, completed in 1993, added state-of-the art amenities without sacrificing the Spanish charm and warmth of the original facility. The rich racing program offers nearly $7 million in stakes purses and an average daily purse distribution in excess of $530,000 during the 43-day meet.
An average of more than 17,000 racegoers per day enjoy dining in Del Mar’s eight restaurants and sipping the track’s signature Del Margaritas, Del Martinis and Del Marys. “Four O’Clock Friday’s” twilight racing is followed by concerts by popular rock bands while early birds enjoy weekend trackside breakfast with a view of morning works during “Daybreak at Del Mar.”
Still, Bing hasn’t been forgotten. Every day, before the first race and after the last one, The voice of “Der Bingle” can still be heard singing: “Where the turf meets the surf, down at old Del Mar…”
