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Pick a Winner

By Thomas K. Arnold
Pick a Winner

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The Del Mar Racetrack opens for business July 18. While lively traditions remain—opening day hoopla; Bing Crosby’s little ditty—there are a few new angles to investigate.

THE VAUNTED Del Mar Racetrack is going high tech in a way that puts its traditional tagline—“where the turf meets the surf”—in a whole new light. The old dirt track is being replaced with a synthetic one in time for the 2007 season, mid-July through early September. It’s hoped the $8 million Polytrack surface will dramatically reduce catastrophic injuries suffered by Thoroughbreds. Last year at Del Mar, 18 horses had to be euthanized after being injured in races or during training.

On the “surf” front, track officials are partnering with the cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach to bring a wireless Internet service to the track and surrounding areas next year. Conceivably, fans could surf the ’Net and get the latest scoop on the ponies from their laptops while sitting in the stands. This, on top of hand-held betting devices, was tested last season.

Other than that, expect most other traditions to remain intact when the track opens this summer for its 68th season of racing, in its 70th anniversary year. Opening day will see San Diego’s power brokers and social elite come out in force, dolled up and decked out. Sprinkled among them will be a healthy contingent of celebrities. Ever since it was founded in 1937 by crooner Bing Crosby—a horse-racing fan and local rancher who initially had been asked to organize a meet but wound up building a grandstand—Del Mar has been a magnet for celebrities. Last year’s opening day drew such famous names as actress Tyne Daly, Johnny Carson sidekick Ed McMahon, pro football Hall of Famer Warren Moon and fabled oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens. Herb Alpert fielded a horse, as did noted screenwriter David Milch (Deadwood, NYPD Blue).

The basics: The track is operated by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and is just a short trot east of the Pacific Ocean in Del Mar, about 20 miles north of San Diego and 100 miles south of Los Angeles. (For MapQuest purposes, the exact address is 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, 92014.)

Opening day this year is Wednesday, July 18, and the ponies run daily through Wednesday, September 5 (except on Tuesdays, when the track is dark). First post is at 2 p.m., with the exception of Four O’Clock Fridays, with live music and a later post time, and Pacific Classic Day (Sunday, August 19, 1 p.m.). Most days, gates open at noon. The track features three restaurants—the Clubhouse Terrace, the Café del Sol and the Stretch Run Grill —and offers valet parking (for $20). For admission charges and seating options, visit dmtc.com or call the information line at 858-793-5533.

This is where you’ll find the young and the restless, the bikini tops and the muscle shirts. It’s as vibrant a singles scene as anything you’ll find along the coast.



NOW, SOME TIPS and suggestions you won’t find in the tourist brochures:

  • While the elite Turf Club is the place to be seen, if you are young and single you’ll have a whole lot more fun in the budget grandstand seats. This is where you’ll find the young and the restless, the bikini tops and the muscle shirts. It’s as vibrant a singles scene as anything you’ll find along the coast.
  • If you have kids, bring them along. Admission is free for children under 17, as long as they’re accompanied by a legal guardian. Skip the clubhouse and head straight for the infield. They’ll have fun—there’s plenty of room to run around, and even a playground—and you can enjoy the race without feeling guilty about leaving the kids at home.
  • After the races, Bully’s North at 1404 Camino del Mar (858-755- 1660) is the traditional watering hole for the track crowd. It’s straight out of the two-martini-lunch 1970s, with a raving summer-long party scene. The owners are “horse people” themselves—they own horses that race in the East—and this year may offer special drinks named after special ponies.
  • How to pick a horse? There are two schools of thought. You can spend hours poring over the Daily Racing Form, reading up on horses and jockeys, comparing what the handicappers say and carefully studying recent results. Or you can close your eyes and blindly let your right index finger do the choosing. While I’m not aware of any truly scientific study, over the years I’d say neither way has proven more effective than the other.
  • Where to stay? This depends on your budget, although beware— even the less expensive motels tend to charge significantly higher rates during the racing season. Nearby motels include the Clarion Del Mar Inn at 720 Camino del Mar (858- 792-8196), the Best Western Stratford Inn at 710 Camino del Mar (858-755-1501) and the Del Mar Motel at 1702 Coast Boulevard (858-755-1534). Expect to pay $250 a night and up for a regular room. For posher digs, try the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar at 15575 Jimmy Durante Boulevard (858-792-5200) or L’Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa at 1540 Camino del Mar (858-259- 1515). Again, the price shoots up during racing season; a standard king at the Hilton that regularly goes for $169 jumps to $289.
  • Where to eat—and drink? The nearby Del Mar Plaza, at 1555 Camino del Mar, is a gastronomical paradise, thanks to a handful of fine restaurants. Personal favorites include the redone Epazote Oceanview Steakhouse (858-259-9966); Pacifica Del Mar (858-792-0476), known for its fresh Pacific Rim– fused seafood; and Pacifica Breeze Café (858-509-9147), a pleasant outdoor spot that’s great for breakfast or lunch.