Grand Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
This year’s two horse racing seasons begin with the Summer Season running from July 20th-September 8th the Fall Season running from October 31st-December 1st.
Read on to learn more about what you can expect to see when you visit the Del Mar Race Track this 2024.
The Stands
You'll find excellent facilities in the 6-story stand. You'll have a great view of the races while enjoying a delicious meal on the Clubhouse Terrace or Del Mar Race Track's other great dining options.
Dining options include the Stretch Run Grill, Café del Sol, First Turn Restaurant, Il Palio and many more. On each floor, you'll also find plenty of places to grab a coffee or snacks.
The Races
Multiple races take place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the 2024 season. A full calendar of races is available on the club’s website. There are also a few standout races held each year that are especially exciting.
The track itself is exactly 1 mile (1.609 km) long, so there's plenty of room to get close to the action.
Fans won't want to miss the most famous race at Del Mar, the Pacific Classic Day, on August 31. The Pacific Classic has a whopping $1,000,000 prize and serves as a qualifier for the equally prestigious Breeders' Cup Classic. This year, it will be at the Del Mar Race Track on November 1st-2nd.
Other 'must see' races include The Del Mar Oaks on August 17th, the Bing Crosby Stakes on July 27th, and the Del Mar Handicap on August 31st, with purses of up to $400,000. The runners' field is first class, and the atmosphere is electric.
Legendary Horses
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has a proud tradition, with some of the greatest horse racing icons competing here. Among many equine stars, in 1938, Seabiscuit, perhaps the most famous racehorse of all time, beat his rival Ligatori by a nose, after a nail-biting battle.
His courage provided a symbol of hope during the Great Depression, and his feat was later immortalized in the Hollywood movie of the same name. The Seabiscuit Stakes, one of the most popular races at the track, makes sure that his memory and spirit live on.
Concerts
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of music on the Seaside Stage, located at the west end of the Grandstand with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Del Mar's concerts are free with race track admission of $8, providing you have entered the gates before the last race.
In previous years, the Del Mar Race Track has hosted such international superstars as Smokey Robinson, the spectacular Cirque du Soleil, gospel choirs, and classical ensembles.
The 2024 lineup includes reggae and country bands like Ziggy Marley and Iration to Wayward Sons at the Opening Day After Party on July 20th, and music from popular Cajun bands like Euphoria Brass Band, 524 Brass Band, and The Bayou Brothers during the Taste of New Orleans celebration on August 24th.
Weekly Events at the Del Mar Horse Races
Weekly events are held throughout the 2024 season. These include Daybreak at Del Mar, where you can watch workouts while eating breakfast at the track on Saturdays and Sundays, and Free & Easy, where you can enjoy free admission and a free seat plus 40% Michelob Ultra every Thursday.
Keep an eye open for special events at Del Mar Fairgrounds, such as:
- Home & garden shows
- Antique shows
- Silver Bay Kennel Club of San Diego
- And the San Diego Cocktail and Spirit Festival
The Del Mar 2024 Summer Season
The Del Mar Horse Races and Thoroughbred Club will host two seasons in 2023 starting with its main season during the summer months. Events start with the exciting Opening Day events in late July and conclude with races held in mid-September.
Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
July Events & Opening Day
Opening Day is by far the biggest event at the Del Mar Race Track, and it’s well-beloved by locals who want to dress up and have a great time. This highly popular event takes place on July 20th, with gates opening at 11:30 am.
The club holds several celebrations on Opening Day. The Grand features its namesake margarita plus an inside look at the Turf Club, while The Party and After Pony Party offer fun-filled photo booths, buffets, craft beer and cocktail bars, and music curated by a live DJ.
Opening Day is also famous for the big hats many women wear when they attend. To celebrate, the club holds a Hats Contest on opening day featuring categories like most glamorous, best racing theme, best flowers, and best fascinator.
August Events
During August, the race track hosts various events celebrating art, food, and fun!
Take part in the high-intensity betting of the Pacific Classic Betting Challenge on August 31st.
On August 3rd, sample local wines and food truck fare at the Uncorked Wine Festival, or come back on the 10th for the Taco & Beer Festival. You can even attend the Mardi Gras-themed Taste of New Orleans party on the 24th.
September Events
Kids under 18 are invited to the Family Fun Day on September 1st, which is full of free games and attractions. For older kids, head to the track on September 7th for College Day, where attendees with a valid Student ID can enjoy free admission and grandstand seating access.
On September 8th, be sure to head down to the track one last time to attend the party of the summer during Closing Day.
The Del Mar Bing Crosby 2024 Fall Season
Remember that the track has two seasons. The Fall season is slightly shorter, it is just as action packed!
Between October 31st and December 1st, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club welcomes visitors each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, offering a full schedule of eight plus races per day. Gates open at 11am with the first post at 12:30pm.
Thanksgiving Day is a special day at the horse racing club offering a unique Thanksgiving Day brunch, a fantastic event for the entire family. With the first post set for 11am, gates open at 9:30am.