I'm a Del Mar Race Track junkie.  Actually, I've been a fan of horseracing since I was a kid, playing at the Garden State Park, in my hometown of Cherry Hill, NJ.  When I moved to Solana Beach, I was attracted to the the beach, San Diego, and best of all, the proximity of the World Famous Del Mar Race Track. 

One of my favorite things to do is to take my daughter to breakfast for the morning workouts.  The horses start working out at 5AM and the track opens at 7:30AM.  You can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffett for less than $10.00 (includes coffee and juice).  From the Del Mar Turf Club website:

Early risers have a chance to catch morning workouts and breakfast in the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant every Saturday and Sunday during the season. From 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., trackside announcer and former jockey Jeff Bloom will provide you behind-the-scenes information while you get an up-close look at many of your favorite horses while they tune up for their next race.  A buffet with many breakfast favorites is offered.

To attend, park in the main lot off Jimmy Durante Blvd., then proceed through the Clubhouse entrance to the second floor. There is no charge for admission to the event, but an $8 parking fee applies. (Those buying two or more breakfasts will have the parking price deducted off the price of their bill.)

Above is the mural Pierre Bellocq painted for the 70th Anniversary of the Track.  When I walk around the clubhouse, I'm reminded that I'm tracing the footsteps of Bing Crosby, Desi Arnaz, and Jimmy Durante.  In fact, all of those men were ushers at St James Church (now in Solana Beach) during the race season.  My daughter Maggie and I "substitute" as ushers when someone goes on vacation.  As you can see below, Maggie always wants to be part of the Del Mar Scene:

The majesty of a thoroughbred race horse awes me:

Workout riders have their hands full.  The success of a horse's next race is often in their hands:

The rider beckons the horse to run a bit as he starts the workout:

Here is nationally-known horse Zenyatta, breezing past the finish line.  My home is just on the other side of the hill beyond the finish line:

When all goes according to plan, your horse will win and you'll be standing in the Winner's Circle, like Maggie.