How to do a race day right at Del Mar's 2018 meet
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Each July, horse racing fans can enjoy their own piece of paradise at Del Mar. The legendary racetrack, founded by Hollywood star and racing fan Bing Crosby, truly lives up to its "cool as ever" motto in every way. Here's how to get the most out of your day at Del Mar!
Take a morning walk on the beach and then watch the horses train. You never know who you'll see out for a jog in the morning, especially when there's a Triple Crown winner on the grounds. Del Mar hosts Donuts Day twice each season, when you can enjoy a sugar-sprinkled treat and get insider info from guest hosts that include Hall of Fame trainers, star jockeys and more.
After you've finished your donut, head over to Solana Beach, a tiny town just north of the track. Here, you'll find Cedros Avenue, an arts district packed with galleries, shops and more. Most of them will have unique racing items, too.
Post time is 2 p.m., so you'll want to head back to the track to grab a spot along the rail of the Stretch Run. This is where you can feel the thunder as the horses make that final turn into the homestretch. This section is beach casual. Shorts and flip flops are not only allowed, but essentially required attire. You can also walk through the tunnel to the infield from here, which is a cool way to watch a turf race.
The best place to get up close to the horses is around the paddock. Del Mar's paddock is beautifully landscaped so that every contender from Grade 1 stakes horses to lower-level claimers get a first class backdrop to prep for the race. It has standing room along three sides, with stadium-style steps so you can see no matter where you find a spot.
Need help finding a winner? TVG broadcasts live from the paddock every day, and Del Mar's own help desk can give you a tip or two. Each day there is a handicapping seminar at the Plaza de Mexico, where you can ask pro horse players how they find winners. The race program is free with admission.
By this point you'll be hungry, and Del Mar's food options do not disappoint! Be sure to try a famous fish taco with an ice-cold beer at 17 Hands right by the paddock. If you're more the Clubhouse type, get a table at the Clubhouse Terrace, and you can enjoy a meal right by the finish line and mere steps from the betting windows. ProTip: Crunchy Tempura Green Beans with cucumber wasabi sauce are yum-o with your fish tacos.
While you're in the Clubhouse, be sure to check out the Peb mural on the first floor to see how many stars -- both movie and equine -- you recognize! There are also lots of vintage photos of Hollywood personalities hanging throughout the area.
This track has been a place to "be seen and photographed" for rising starlets for decades, and it's a tradition that seems to continue. You never know who you might run into taking a selfie around the paddock. Pro athletes, Netflix's latest series stars, and of course, Bo Derek have been spotted recently.
While the main event are the day's 10 races, you won't want to miss the between-race entertainment Del Mar offers. After the fourth race, it's time to "Sing with Bing!" Each day a guest takes the mic to belt out the lines to Bing Crosby's Del Mar theme song, "Where the Turf Meets the Surf," and everyone is encouraged to sing along.
After the sixth race, the action heats up with hilarious results when the kids line up for the Hippity-Hop Derby. While this is not an official wagering event, you can be sure some parents exchange bets on which kid will fall off their bouncy ball first.
Del Mar has a chill atmosphere that no other track can match. The mission-style architecture, palm trees and luxurious fountains can soothe even the baddest beat - and the signature Del Margarita can help wash it all away.
As you cheer on your horse in the final race, raise a glass to Del Mar: cool as ever!
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