Del Mar Racetrack - November 8, 2024

I am in California for the Club 124 meetup as the Intuit Dome becomes the newest venue in the Big 4 sports. Of course, there are other things to see in the meantime, with a college basketball game at the University of San Diego the most intriguing. As I was checking for tickets on TickPick, I noticed that there was thoroughbred racing at Del Mar Racetrack, which is just north of San Diego and made for a good stop on the way. My friend Sharpy had joined for the trip and so I rented a car at Hertz and drove to LAX to pick him up, driving straight south through inexplicable Southern California slowdowns and arriving at the track at about 2:45.

The first surprise was being charged $10 for parking, something I had not encountered in my previous visits to racetracks. It also cost $6 to get in, although that comes with a program that is very helpful in following the races.

The racetrack is part of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where the San Diego County Fair is held annually. It was built in 1936 and opened a year later, with Bing Crosby one of the founders. In fact, the fall session here is called the Bing Crosby Season.  

The clubhouse is beautifully designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. although the inside is like most other tracks, with lots of space for bettors to line up. 

I was surprised at just how many people were on hand on a Friday afternoon, with all types of fans represented: the very rich and extremely well dressed, the punters, and the road trippers. There are several clubs here that require membership or additional cost; obviously we did not enter them.

Del Mar has seen a lot of horse racing history. In 1938, Seabiscuit and Ligaroti were pitted in a match race that was the first nationwide broadcast of a thoroughbred race (Seabiscuit won by a nose).

There are a few displays here too, including one for a horse named Native Diver, and another for jockey Bill Shoemaker, who became the all-time leader in winners here in 1970.

It was sunny and warm at the paddock, which is where you watch the horses paraded before they go to the track.

With the sun so low in the sky, however, the track side was quite chilly. There are turf and dirt tracks here and races were held on both on this afternoon.

With post time at 12:30 (about the same time we left LAX), we were only able to see the final three of eight races. I enjoy the way each race develops, starting with the paddock parade and then the betting, followed by the anticipation and then of course, losing your bet. Hmm, come to think of it, maybe I don't enjoy it as much as I thought. 

Still, it was a new venue (#1,101) and one I am glad I had a chance to see.

Notes

Just south of here is Miramar, which has dozens of craft breweries. We chose to go to Ballast Point, which has a special place in my heart (or liver) as it was their Sculpin IPA that introduced me to the beauty of hoppy beers. Well worth a visit, and I'd love to return to try some of the other places.

This was only my 9th horse racing venue and 6th in the USA. These always provide a pleasant experience, although my betting skills definitely need work.

Best,

Sean