Del Mar Race Track in California
Del Mar Race Track to the north of San Diego had prestigious beginnings back in 1937 when it was opened by Bing Crosby, a major sponsor along with Pat O'Brien and Paramount Studios. Through the years Del Mar has gained much fame, attracting vast numbers of visitors including Hollywood celebrities. Del Mar Race Track hosts a wide variety of races between July and September at its outstanding facilities.
In 1938, the year after opening, Del Mar Race Track hosted the world-famed Seabiscuit race. Some 20 000 racegoers and a massive radio audience eagerly awaited the outcome. The main competitors were Seabiscuit mounted by George Woolf (130 lb) and Ligaroti under Noel Richardson (115 lb). Seabiscuit won by a nose.
Del Mar Race Track opened its 1993 season with a brand new grandstand with more seating for 14 000 individuals and excellent views. Del Mar encompasses some 350 acres. The track is oval-shaped measuring 1 mile. Boasting some of the best race facilities in USA, Del Mar has enough stabling for 2 000 horses. Del Mar's gates open at noon on weekdays and 11:30 am on weekends with some exceptions. The Del Mar Race Track's race season is packed with exciting events such as Oceanside Stakes, CTBA Stakes, San Diego Handicap, Eddie Read Handicap, Graduation Stakes, Wickerr Handicap, Bing Crosby Handicap, Sorrento Stakes, Osunitas handicap, Del Mar Oaks, Pat O'Brien Breeders' Cup Handicap, Pacific Classic, Del Mar Breeders' Cup Mile, Del Mar Handicap and Del Mar Derby amongst others.
Camp Del Mar, run by the race track, is a specially designed day camp aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Qualified educators, counselors and recreational specialists provide the young ones with guidance and help. Activities at the camp include crafts, stable tours, petting a race horse, air hockey, miniature golf, gymnastics, an inflatable jump, video games and more.
Del Mar Race Track has truly become a favorite amongst celebrities, drawing famous individuals such as Jimmy Durante, Ava Gardner, Mickey Rooney, Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball and many others. The thrill of Del Mar's racing continues to attract some 1 million racegoers every six week season.
