Del Mar Races Open July 15 for the 2016 Racing Season
It’s a few weeks off, but it’s not too soon to start planning for opening day at the Del Mar Races for the 2016 season.
Thoroughbred racing at the famous Del Mar Race Track opens Friday July 15 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar California, and runs through September 5, with the exception of Mondays (other than Labor Day) and Tuesdays. In case you missed it, the San Diego County Fair is still on at the fair grounds until July 4th.
Horse racing at Del Mar is a popular annual event for residents and visitors alike from all over Southern California, and around the country.
Thoroughbreds have been racing at the Del Mar race track for decades, attracting crowds, famous and not so famous, from all over.
The races were a popular place to hobnob with Hollywood celebs and glitterati like Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, the Rat Pack, and many others, and remain popular celebrity-sighting venue, especially on Opening Day, THE event of the summer social season.
Opening Day includes the ever-popular and unique “Opening Day Hats Contest” with a Hats Parade. There are always loads of participants, with incredible hats, and prizes are awarded in 5 categories - Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, Funniest/Most Outrageous, Best Fascinator and Flowers/All Other – with prizes totaling $5,000.
Post time is 2 pm (4 pm on Fridays)! Gates open 2 hours beforehand – get there early, parking will be crowded. No racing on Mondays and Tuesdays.
A shorter racing season runs from November 11 through December 4 (no racing Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Be aware when traveling the 5 freeway, and the coast road, that you can expect traffic congestion as a result, especially on opening day, in addition to the growing summer crowds in the Del Mar area.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
(at the Via de la Valle exit off the 5 freeway)
Del Mar, California
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