Del Mar Racetrack, nestled along the Pacific coastline in Del Mar, California, is a storied Thoroughbred racing venue famed for its blend of glamour, history, and seaside charm. Founded in 1936 and opened in 1937—greeted at the gate by Bing Crosby himself—it has long been known by the slogan “Where the Turf Meets the Surf.” Del Mar became a summer haven for Hollywood’s elite and remains one of the most beloved tracks in the U.S.
Del Mar Track Details
- Surfaces: One-mile dirt oval with chutes for 7⁄8-mile and 1 1⁄16-mile starts; turf course with diagonal chute configurations.
- Configuration: Sweeping turns, sweeping ocean backdrop, tan stucco grandstand—an iconic coastal setting.
- Facilities: Historic grandstand, paddock viewing, simulcast wagering and fashion-driven Opening Day events.
Del Mar Featured Races & Events
- Bing Crosby Stakes (G1): Premier six-furlong sprint for three-year-olds and up, named after co-founder Bing Crosby; purse approx. $400,000.
- Del Mar Oaks (G1): Elite 1⅛-mile turf race for three-year-old fillies, Grade I since 1994; purse around $300,000.
- San Diego Handicap (G2): Key late July/August prep on dirt over 1 1⁄16 miles; important stepping stone to the Pacific Classic.
- Other notable stakes include: Pacific Classic, Del Mar Futurity, Del Mar Debutante, Del Mar Mile, Del Mar Handicap, and many more spanning Grades I–III and ungraded events.
Del Mar Horses & Race Types
- Hosts Thoroughbred flat racing during two live meets: summers (July–September) and fall (November–December, since 2014).
Race distances range from turf sprints via downhill chutes to classic route distances; features juvenile stakes, preps, turf and dirt specialists.
Del Mar History & Legacy
- Founded in 1936 by Hollywood legends including Bing Crosby; officially opened in 1937.
- Historic moments: Seabiscuit vs. Ligaroti match race in 1938 broadcast nationwide. Closed during WWII (used by Marines/B-17 parts production); reopened to host Bing Crosby Stakes in 1946.
- Renovations: Major grandstand rebuild and Polytrack (later removed in 2015 in favor of dirt); turf course expansion in 2014.
- Modern glamour: Rebranded with “Cool as Ever” campaign targeting fashion-conscious and younger audiences; Opening Day hat contest remains a highlight.
- Breeders’ Cup Hosted: September meets held in 2017 and 2021; future hosting scheduled for 2024 and 2025.
Del Mar Odds & Betting
- Wide betting menu: Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 3/4/5/6, late Pick 3, Daily Double.
- Peak interest during premier stakes like the Pacific Classic; available on-track, simulcast, and via online racebooks such as BetUS.
- Surfside Race Place offers off-season satellite wagering on races across the nation.
Del Mar Records & Stats
- Del Mar Handicap: Speed record (current 1 3⁄8 miles turf): Spring House, 2:11.14 (2008); Gold Phoenix won three straight (2022–2024).
- Notable race records: Bing Crosby Stakes record by Lord Nelson: 1:07.65 in 2016.
- Del Mar Oaks speed record: Amorama, 1:46.26 in 2004.
- San Diego Handicap: record is 1:40.00, shared by Windy Sands (1962) and Native Diver (1965); Native Diver won three consecutive editions.
