Opening Day at the Del Mar Horse Races
~ July 20, 2024 ~
Horse racing fans will be pleased 2024 thoroughbred racing season is coming soon to the Del Mar Racetrack. Opening Day is Saturday July 20.
Thoroughbred racing at the Del Mar Racetrack at the Del Mar Fairgrounds will run through Sunday September 8th. Races take place Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with the exception of racing on Monday (Labor Day) September 2.
Here’s the full calendar of events and races.
Horse racing at Del Mar is a favorite summer event for many area residents and visitors. There are fans from around Southern California and beyond. Thoroughbred racing has been popular at the Del Mar racetrack for decades, with big crowds and plenty of famous and not so famous people.
Del Mar thoroughbred racing has been a favorite scene to see Hollywood celebrities and other glitterati for years. The 2024 Del Mar Races will certainly be the same, especially on Opening Day!
Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack includes the popular “Opening Day Hats Contest.” Show off your hat in the Plaza de Mexico between 11:30 am and 3 pm. There is no entry fee to participate, all that’s needed is a great hat, and terrific clothes to show it off!
Don’t delay getting your Tickets for Opening Day – it’s very popular and some prime seating options are already sold out.
Hat Contest prizes totaling over $4000 will be awarded in 4 categories: Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, Best Fascinator, and Best Flowers.
Race time is typically 2 pm and gates open 2 hours earlier, but see the Calendar to check on other race times as they vary. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance (they include general parking). Remember that only vehicles with all passengers holding tickets for that day will be allowed to park. You must purchase tickets online in advance.
A second and shorter horse racing season was added a few years ago. For 2024 this season is October 31st through December 1st.
You can expect heavy traffic when traveling the 5 freeway, on the Coast Road, as well as major side streets like Via de la Valle. This is true on race days but especially on opening day, in addition to the normal summer crowds in the Del Mar area.
2024 Del Mar Races
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard
(Via de la Valle exit off the I-5 freeway)
Del Mar, CA 92014
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