Beginner's Guide to the 2024 Del Mar Meet

For horse racing fans, the opening of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for its famous race is a true indicator that summer is here. The San Diego area’s iconic racetrack is an incredible place to visit, whether you’re a longtime racing fan or this is your first trip to the track.

If you fall into the latter category, or are planning your first trip to Del Mar this summer, scroll down to find out everything you need to know about this year’s summer season.

Who: Elite horses and top-notch people skills from the West Coast and beyond

Entering its 85th season, Del Mar is THE a place to be in the summer for thoroughbred racing enthusiasts, elite racehorses and the West Coast’s top trainers, jockeys and owners.

The racetrack has developed a robust stakes racing schedule for this summer, with 39 stakes races that will offer nearly $7.9 million in purses. Included in the exciting schedule are six stakes races that have been designated as “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series events, meaning each winner will receive an automatic, all-expenses-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup, which will be held for the third time in event history at Del Mar this fall, Nov. 1-2. The annual highlight is the $1 million FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic Stakes on Aug. 31, a “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series race for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.

What: Where grass meets surf

Nestled in the seaside town of Del Mar, just north of San Diego, Del Mar is a horse lover’s paradise. Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, the track is known as “where the turf meets the waves” and has become a must-see destination for racing fans from around the world.

Since its inception, Del Mar has been a magnet for stars, both human and equestrian; it’s not uncommon to see sports luminaries, actors, musicians and industry titans attending the races on any given day.

Fun Fact: Del Mar’s main track is a one-mile dirt oval with tracks for seven-eighths-mile and 1 ¼-mile races, and the infield turf course is seven-eighths-mile with tracks for 1 1/16 and 1 1/8-mile races.

When: From Saturday July 20 to Sunday September 8

Del Mar is the perfect West Coast summer destination. The track hosts races every week from Thursday through Sunday (Saturday and Sunday the first week) and Labor Day Monday. Every Thursday is “Free and Easy.” Enjoy free admission to the stretch race, a free program and a free seat, plus discounts on select food and beverages at the concession stands.

Major race days are listed below, but be sure to check the track’s calendar for more details and events.

July 20 – Opening day featuring the San Clemente Stakes as well as the annual hat contest and After Pony Party

July 21 – Oktoberfest with food, entertainment and beers

July 25 – Cougar II Stakes

July 27 – Bing Crosby Stakes and San Diego Handicap

July 28 – Eddie Read Stakes

August 3 – Uncorked Wine Festival with featured races including the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes

August 4 – La Jolla Handicap

August 10 – Tacos & Tequila Festival with races headlined by the Yellow Ribbon Handicap and the Sorrento Stakes

August 11 – Best Pal Stakes

August 17 – Del Mar Oaks with 2024 Breeders’ Cup presentation

August 24 – Taste of New Orleans with racing headlined by Pat O’Brien Stakes

August 25 – Rancho Bernardo Handicap

August 31 – FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, Del Mar Mile, Del Mar Handicap, Green Flash Handicap and Torrey Pines Stakes

September 1 – Family Fun Day with Racing Highlights from Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby

September 2 – Labor Day Monday Special Card

September 7 – College Day with races headlined by the FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante and John C. Mabee Stakes

September 8 – Closing day with races featuring the Del Mar Futurity and the Del Mar Juvenile Turf

Fun Fact: Del Mar has a later start time than most tracks. Races start at 2:00 p.m. PT most days (with a shift to 1:30 p.m. on August 31) and 4:00 p.m. on Fridays (3:00 p.m. starting August 16) so fans have a chance to explore the track’s surroundings before their race day begins.

Where: Del Mar, California.

Del Mar is a stunning resort town located just outside of San Diego, and the area truly has something for everyone: in addition to the track, there are options for golf, tennis, surfing, horseback riding on the beach, and more. A weekend in Del Mar promises relaxation, adventure, and incredible natural beauty.

Fun fact: The lyrics to Del Mar’s official song, “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” encourage fans to “take the plane, the train, the car.” That’s great advice, since Del Mar is accessible via San Diego International Airport, has an Amtrack station in Solana Beach (1 mile from Del Mar), and has plenty of parking.

Why: A summer playground

The opening of Santa Anita Park outside Los Angeles in 1934 was an immediate success. It gave stockbroker William Quigley pause, and he teamed up with Hollywood star Bing Crosby to create a racetrack that would become California’s premier summer racing venue.

The track officially opened in 1937 and that year hosted the famous match race between Seabiscuit and Ligatori, the first-ever thoroughbred race broadcast nationally via NBC Radio.

Fun fact: Del Mar continues to be the site of some of the biggest horse races in the country. For example, the 2016 Pacific Classic was a showdown between fan favorites California Chrome, Beholder, and Dortmund.

What to expect in 2024

Gates open to fans two hours before the first tee time and daily programs are included with admission. Children 17 and under receive free admission but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Diamond Club members have access to exclusive gifts and unlock daily discounts at the track, including opening day.

Morning training is open to the public!

You want to bet ?

It’s incredibly easy to bet on Del Mar, even if you can’t attend. In many states, it’s legal to bet from home using what’s called an “advance deposit betting” platform – essentially an app or website that lets you top up your account and bet wherever you want. A word of advice: the key word here is “advance,” so make sure to set up your account as early as possible, as it can take up to a day to process the funds. The official betting platform for the Del Mar game is FanDuel Racing, so keep an eye out for promotions and sign-up offers from them throughout the season.

Del Mar also launched its Del Mar mobile app which allows on-site racing fans to place bets from the palm of their hands.

If you’re new to app betting, the team at America’s Best Racing has created the sport’s leading tool for determining how to place your bets and what they will cost: the ABR Betting Calculator.

Looking for more information on how to get started betting on ponies? We have an article called “Betting on Horse Racing, Explained” that is aimed at punters like you. Here’s a taste to whet your appetite:

The basics

Winning bet – A bet on a horse that will finish first.

To bet – A bet on a horse to finish first or second.

Show bet – A bet on a horse to finish in the money, third or better.

In the money – A horse that finishes first, second or third.

Generally – A bet on a horse to win, place and show. If the horse wins, the bettor collects three ways; if second, two ways (place, show); and if third, one way, losing both the win and place bets. This is actually three bets.

Morning Line – The odds that the track handicapper predicts that a horse will win the race at the start.

Fun fact: The biggest win for a $2 winning bet in Del Mar history came in 1955, when Cipria returned a whopping $263.40 to savvy bettors who placed bets on her.

Must do:

Want the ultimate Del Mar experience? Of course you do! Here are our recommendations for…

On the track

The Paddock

One of the best places to spend time between races is the Del Mar paddock. A graded viewing area surrounds the tack pen, giving fans a perfect view of the horses and their humans as they prepare for each race.

17 hands

The best tacos in Del Mar are at 17 Hands, a restaurant, bar, and betting area located right next to the paddock. Grab a bite and sit back and people- and pony-watch.

From the Daisy

If you love cocktails, you’ll love the Del Margarita. The tour’s signature drink is made with a double shot of tequila, margarita mix, a splash of Patrón Citrónge, orange juice, soda water and a lime wedge. It’s an incredibly refreshing way to celebrate a day at Del Mar.

Lunch and drinks at Veranda Café

One of the best places to enjoy a late lunch or cocktail in Del Mar is the Veranda Café, especially its patio. It overlooks the paddock (the area where horses are saddled before each race) with one of the most spectacular views you can hope for.

Silks Gift Shop

Silks Gift Shop at Del Mar is one of the best horse racing shops around. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir of your weekend or the perfect gift, it’s a must-visit destination while you’re at the track.

Around the city

The Inn

Looking for a little luxury? The Auberge is Del Mar’s premier hotel, featuring restaurants, a spa and an incredible bar after each race day. It’s the place to see and be seen once the races are over, and you’ll meet trainers, owners and even jockeys in the bar each night. It’s a must-visit, even if you don’t plan on staying overnight. The Auberge also sponsors the opening party the following day.

Surf lessons

If you’ve never tried surfing, a weekend in Del Mar is the perfect time to give it a try. The Del Mar Surf School is located right in the center of town and offers beginner lessons that include access to a surfboard, wetsuit, and commemorative photos.

Golf

If you love golf, you’ll love Del Mar. The area is surrounded by golf courses, including the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. Mission Bay and Balboa Golf Course are also nearby, so be prepared to tee off before hitting the track.

10.1.1

The Jockey Club supports a number of aftercare initiatives, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accreditation body for aftercare, and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP), which encourages Thoroughbreds to retrain for other disciplines at the end of their careers. Find out more about all the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.