2026 Opening Day at the Del Mar Horse Races
Horse racing enthusiasts are no doubt eagerly anticipating the 2026 thoroughbred racing season coming soon to the Del Mar Racetrack. Opening Day is this Friday July 17th.
Thoroughbred racing at the Del Mar Racetrack at the Del Mar Fairgrounds will run through Monday September 7th. Races take place Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with the exception that there are races on Monday (Labor Day) September 1st.
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 plenty of fans from around Southern California and way beyond. Thoroughbred racing has been popular at the Del Mar racetrack for decades, with large 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 2026 Del Mar Races will certainly be the same, especially on Opening Day, the height of the summer social season for many!
Don’t delay getting your Tickets for Opening Day – it’s very popular and some prime seating options are already sold out.
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, and all you need is a great hat, and terrific clothes to show it off!
The prizes for the Hats Contest total over $5000 and are awarded in 4 categories: Most Glamorous, Best Fascinator, Best Flowers and Best Racing Theme and All Others.
Race time is generally 2 pm and gates open 2 hours earlier. However, it’s smart to check the Calendar to see other race times as they may 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 2026 this racing season runs from November 6th through the 29th.
You can expect heavy traffic on the I-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.
2026 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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