The summer 2022 racing season at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club begins July 22 PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB
With the return of fans and favorite events, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is gearing up for its greatest racing season yet.
Founded by Bing Crosby in 1937, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (dmtc.com) celebrated a milestone 2021, with record-breaking wagering, packed stands and the hosting of the Breeders’ Cup. The summer 2022 season, running from July 22 to Sept. 11, is poised to be even better: The grandstand will see a return to full capacity, and total payouts to participating horsemen and horsewomen will average more than $800,000 per day. Here’s what to expect this 83rd year at the top West Coast destination for world-class horse racing.
The Opening Day Hats Contest is a longtime highlight. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB
JULY 22
Opening Day
One of the most anticipated summer events, opening day at the nation’s only seaside racetrack is a celebration of racing, fashion, food and local culture. This year, fans will be able to wager on 10 thrilling races and enter the Opening Day Hats Contest, a longtime highlight. Guests can also partake in the inaugural cocktail experience featuring The Grand—the ultimate margarita curated by a Patrón master mixologist. In addition to exclusive access to the Tahona Terrace at Turf Club, the package includes a premium buffet, a hosted bar, The Grand cocktail and pewter chalice, and valet parking. Best of all, a portion of ticket proceeds benefits California Retirement Management Account for racehorses in California.
Women pose in inventive hats for the Opening Day Hats Contest PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB
JULY 22
Official After Pony Party
Keep the festivities going from 6 to 10PM at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, where guests can enjoy a bottomless buffet, a welcome cocktail and tunes by DJ Irie as they celebrate their wins alongside celebrity jockeys and dance into the evening.
EVERY FRIDAY STARTING JULY 29
Turf Club Fridays
Kick off your weekend with this ultimate Friday happy hour, complete with trackside hors d’oeuvres, drinks and racing. Your Turf Club Fridays ticket will also include one daily admission to the exclusive Turf Club, as well as a program, two Del Mar signature drinks and a delicious appetizer buffet.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB
AUG. 13
Uncorked: Del Mar Wine Fest
Taste over 100 wines and Champagnes from around the world as well as cuisine from top local food trucks—all while watching the races trackside from the Stretch Run section. The third annual summer wine festival from 1 to 5PM benefits Urban Surf 4 Kids, which helps at-risk and foster children through water and surf therapy.
AUG. 20
Del Mar Taco & Beer Festival
This festive event from noon to 4PM will feature beer from local breweries plus authentic tacos prepared by local food vendors.
Racing fans gather in the paddock to get an early glimpse at the horses, which are taken around the dirt track before heading to the starting gate. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB
AUG. 27
Taste of New Orleans
Immerse yourself in New Orleans culture with Cajun eats, live music, bead vendors, face painters and more. Tickets include admission to the track and exclusive trackside viewing area, five New Orleans-themed drinks or beer tasters, a racing program and tip sheet, and lively entertainment.
EVERY SUNDAY THROUGH SEPT. 11
Taste of the Turf Club
Every Sunday this summer, the exclusive Turf Club will host an extravagant culinary experience, featuring a locally inspired three-course brunch, a reserved Turf Club table for the race day and bottomless bloody marys or mimosas. We’ll cheers to that.
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