Del Mar Horse Racing

Representing the best that is available, Del Mar horse racing simply cannot be beat. The action happens “where the surf meets the turf at old Del Mar.” Indeed, the Del Mar track has an interesting history with a Hollywood twist to it. It was founded in 1937 by Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien, with Paramount Studios serving as the corporate sponsor for the ambitious project.

Del Mar horse racing got its start through Bing Crosby, who in addition to his Hollywood endeavors was a local rancher and horse owner. Crosby was approached about organizing a horse racing meet. Not surprisingly, he did not want to host something both ordinary and temporary, so he approached the Del Mar Fairgrounds and brokered a deal to build a grandstand and hold the race. The rest, as they say, is history.

The now-expansive track and facility has played host to thousands of spectators, including celebrities like Mickey Rooney, Lucille Ball, and Ava Gardener. As Del Mar horse racing has continued to grow and prosper over the past few decades, many changes have taken place. The most important was the opening in 1993 of a new $80 million grandstand, elegantly designed in a Spanish mission style.

Now firmly in place as one of the primary attractions in the west, Del Mar horse racing continues to attract hundreds of thousands each year, many of whom have never seen a race before. The top race of the year is the $1 million Pacific Classic, which draws the finest horses in the country.

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