2015 Del Mar Racing Season Opening Day is July 16 in Del Mar California
Now that the San Diego County Fair is drawing to a close it’s almost time for the social highlight of the year, or at least the summer…opening day at the Del Mar Races. Thoroughbred racing at the famed Del Mar Race Track opens Thursday July 16 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar California, and runs through September 7, with the exception of Mondays (other than Labor Day) and Tuesdays.
Racing at Del Mar is a popular annual event for residents and visitors alike from all over Southern California, and beyond. Thoroughbreds have been racing at the Del Mar race track for decades, attracting crowds from around the country. The races were a popular place to hobnob with Hollywood celebs and glitterati (Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, the Rat Pack, and many others) and continue to be a popular celebrity-sighting venue, in particular on Opening Day.
Opening Day of the Del Mar Racing season is viewed as THE event on the summer social scene, with the ever-popular and unique “Opening Day Hats Contest” with a Hats Parade.
There are always lots of participants, with some pretty incredible hats, with prizes awarded in 5 categories - Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, Funniest/Most Outrageous, Best Fascinator and Flowers/All Other.
Post time is 2 pm (4 pm on Fridays)! Gates open 2 hours beforehand – get there early, parking will be crowded.
For the uninitiated traveling the 5 freeway, and the coast road, you can expect traffic congestion as a result, especially on opening day, in addition to the growing summer crowds in the Del Mar area.
The Del Mar Races also now offer a second shorter racing season from October 29 through November 29 (dark on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays).
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
(at the Via de la Valle exit off the 5 freeway)
Del Mar, California
