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Del Mar Fairgrounds

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Coordinates:32°58′34″N117°15′43″W/ 32.97611°N 117.26194°W/32.97611; -117.26194
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Aerial view of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack; looking northwest along thePacific Oceancoastline

TheDel Mar Fairgroundsis an event venue inDel Mar, California.The venue hosts the annualSan Diego County Fair.It sits on a 370-acre (1.5 km2) property along the Pacific Ocean coastline. The fairgrounds also includes the Del Mar Racetrack, which was built in 1936 by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, with founding memberBing Crosbyproviding leadership.[1]The Del Mar Fairgrounds and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club share one address for the complex.[2]

The site is owned by the State of California and is managed by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, a state agency that hosts more than 300 annual events.[3]Its staff organizes major annual events and runs Surfside Race Place, the year-round satellite horse racing facility. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club leases the facilities for their live meets each year.

History

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After opening of theSanta Anita Parkracetrack inArcadia, Californiaon Christmas Day 1934,William A. Quigley,a resident ofLa Jolla,formed the idea of starting a racetrack on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. He pitched this to Bing Crosby, and they founded the Del Mar turf Club on May 6, 1936. Quigley was General Manager of the racetrack until his death at the age of 49 in 1942.[4][5][6]When Del Mar opened in 1937, Bing Crosby was at the gate to personally greet the fans. On August 12, 1938, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosted a $25,000 winner-take-allmatch racebetweenCharles S. Howard'sSeabiscuitand theBinglin Stable'scolt, Ligaroti. In an era when horse racing ranked second in popularity with Americans toMajor League Baseball,the match race was the first nationwide broadcast of a Thoroughbred race byNBC radio.[7]In the race, Seabiscuit was ridden by jockeyGeorge Woolfand Ligaroti by Noel Richardson. In front of a record crowd that helped make Del Mar race track a success, Seabiscuit won by a nose.

By 1940, Del Mar became a summer playground for manyHollywoodstars. Between 1942 and 1944, the facility was closed due to theSecond World War.Initially, the grounds were used for training by theUnited States Marine Corps,then as a manufacturing site for parts to B-17 bombers.

The firstBing Crosby Stakeswas held at Del Mar in 1946 and that same year theSanta Fe Railroadbegan offering a racetrack special bringing spectators, bettors, and horses to Del Mar fromLos Angeles.[8]Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, the track became theSaratogaof the West for summer racing. The track had large purses for many stakes, many of which were won by the famous jockeyBill Shoemaker.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Del Mar was one of the premier racetracks in the country. The track attempted to run a fall meet in the 1960s but later canceled it after lackluster results. This allowed for the creation of theOak Tree Racing Associationat theSanta Anita race track.

In the 1980s, the infield was opened to spectators and in 1984Trevor Denmanbecame the voice of Del Mar.

Horses crossing the finish line at the Del Mar Racetrack

In the 1990s, the track underwent a major renovation. The grandstand of the Del Mar Fairgrounds was demolished and replaced. In 1991, the track ran its richest race to date, the $1,000,000Grade IPacific Classic Stakes.The first Classic was won by a top three-year-old namedBest Pal.

Beginning in 2000, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's marketing team realized they had to attract a more youthful audience as well as a female audience. They focused Del Mar as a fashionable destination, using social media and other avenues to market the racetrack. They adopted the slogan "Cool as Ever" and created a new brand around "Del Mar Scene". They also hired jockey and modelChantal Sutherlandto be the new face of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.[9]

Del Mar has changed in demographics and audience attendance.[10][11]The marketing campaign of the Del Mar Racetrack has beceen used as Stanford business study to see if their strategy could be done at other racetracks.[12]

One of the largest draws each year for the Del Mar racetrack has become Opening Day with its hats contest and parties.[13][14]

In March 2013, there was a vote to expand the turf portion of the racetrack.[15]Construction began later in the year, and the work was completed in time for the 2014 racing season. The work included widening the course to 80 feet and softening the curve coming out of the diagonal chute, thus allowing more horses to compete in turf races.[16]The following year, Del Mar renovated the main track, installing El Segundo Sand.

Starting in 2014, Del Mar began to run more racing cards due to the closure of theHollywood Park Racetrack.[17][18]A fall meet was added, featuring theHollywood Turf Cup Stakes,Hollywood Derby,andMatriarch Stakes.Del Mar hosted theBreeders' Cupfor the first time in November 2017 and for a second time in November 2021. The track is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup again in 2024 and 2025.[19]

The meet in 2020 was heldbehind closed doorsdue to theCOVID-19 pandemic.Larry Collmustemporarily replaced Denman as Voice of Del Mar after 36 years for the summer meet. Denman did return for the fall meet in November,[citation needed]and resumed calling the Del Mar races in July 2021.[20]

Similar to the meet in 2020, around the COVID pandemic period, it was decided that the KAABOO festival would also be relocated from the Padres to their original place in the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Mark Terry with FLAAC said “it made sense to bring [KAABOO] back to its inaugural home where it had performed so well.” “Its official: KAABOO music festival returning to Del Mar Fairgrounds in September 2024.” from San Diego Union Tribune also states that the “Board members for the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which runs the fairgrounds, approved the deal with Festival Licensing and Acquisition Corp.” KAABOO music festivals change of location was signed Tuesday and will take action in September of 2024.[21]

Events

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There are over 300 events that take place on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Some of the most well known include:

  • San Diego County Fairprevious known as Del Mar Fair
  • Del Mar National Horse Show
  • Scream Zone
  • Holiday of Lights

Racing

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The track races from July to September as well as a second meet in November through early December as of 2014. The following graded events were held at Del Mar in 2022.

Other events

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  • Opening Day at Del Mar with their famous hat contest
  • Family Fun Day every Saturday and Sunday where the infield offers free entertainment for kids.
  • Camp Del Mar: A Daycare center for the kids while the parents are spending the day at the track (discontinued in 2019).
  • Giveaway Days: The items vary each year what is being given away[22]

Arena

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Del Mar Arena is a 3,500-seatarenain the fairgrounds complex; and it is used for sporting events,concerts,and other special events. It was built in 1991. In 2009, it was remodeled and a roof was added.

It was home of theSan Diego Sockersindoor soccer team from 2009 to 2012. The Del Mar National Horse Show is hosted here.[23][24]

Exhibit facilities

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Del Mar Fairgrounds features six exhibit halls totalling 219,380 square feet (20,381 m2) of space. The largest is Pat O'Brien Hall with 68,680 square feet (6,381 m2) of space, a ceiling height of 35 feet (11 m), and seating up to 6,800. Others include the 55,200-square-foot (5,130 m2) Exhibit Hall seating up to 5,500; Bing Crosby Hall with 31,900 square feet (2,960 m2) of space and seating up to 3,500; the 45-foot (14 m) Wyland Center with 30,800 square feet (2,860 m2) of space and seating up to 3,000; the 19,800-square-foot (1,840 m2) Activity Center seating up to 2,200; and Mission Tower with 13,000 square feet (1,200 m2) of space and seating up to 1,200.

Del Mar Golf Center

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The Del Mar Fairgrounds includes the Del Mar Golf Center The Golf Center includes two 18 hole miniature golf courses, a driving range, the Golf Mart golf store, and offers private lessons, clinics, and classes.[25]

During peak demand periods, e.g. during the Live Races and the San Diego Fair, the driving range is used for additional parking.

Racetrack

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Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club logo
LocationDel Mar, California
Operated byDel Mar Thoroughbred Club
Date openedJuly 3, 1937
Race typeThoroughbred
Course typeTurf, Dirt
Notable racesPacific Classic (G1)
Eddie Read Stakes (G1)
Del Mar Oaks (G1)
Bing Crosby Stakes (G1)
Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1)
Del Mar Debutante (G1)
Del Mar Futurity (G1)
Official website

Thehorse racingtrack is exactly 1 mile (1.609 km) long, and races are runcounter-clockwise.With a capacity of 44,000, it is the second largest horse-racing venue in the western United States, after the nearbySanta Anita Park.[26]It is known for the slogans: "Where The Turf Meets The Surf" as well as "Cool as Ever."[27]It was built by a partnership includingBing Crosby,actorsPat O'Brien,Gary Cooper,Joe E. Brown,Charles S. HowardandOliver Hardy.A 100-mile AAA championship Indianapolis-type car race was held at Del Mar in November 1949, but the death of popular local driverRex Maysin that event caused "big car" racing to disappear from Southern California circuits for 18 years. (In addition, the horse racing community was deeply resentful of oil-dripping cars being run on the horse-oriented dirt racing surface.)

There was a temporary auto-racing circuit held in the race track parking lot during the mid-1960s and between 1987 and 1992. The latter hosted anIMSA Camel GTrace. Both circuits were 1.600 mi (2.575 km) long with layouts that were different from each other.[28][29]

The Del Mar racetrack runs live racing from July through early September and, since 2014, a second live meet is run in November.[30][31]A satellite wagering facility operates during the other months of the year.Larry Collmustemporarily replacedTrevor Denmanin 2020 after 36 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Denman returned to announcing at the Del Mar summer meet in July 2021 while Collmus continues to call the fall meet.[20]

Race Lap Records

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Category Time Driver Vehicle Date
IMSA Grand Prix Circuit: 2.575 km (1987–1992)
GTP 1:00.334[32] Juan Manuel Fangio II Eagle MkIII 1992 Vons Grand Prix of San Diego
GTP Lights 1:06.390[32] Dan Marvin Spice SE91P 1992 Vons Grand Prix of San Diego
GTO 1:07.768[33] Robby Gordon Ford Mustang 1992 Vons Grand Prix of San Diego
GTU 1:13.402[34] John Fergus Dodge Daytona 1991 Camel Grand Prix of Greater San Diego
AAC 1:13.829[34] Steve Anderson Pontiac Firebird 1991 Camel Grand Prix of Greater San Diego
Original Grand Prix Circuit: 2.575 km (1958–1964)
Group 4 1:07.200[35] Frank Monise Lotus 23B 1964S.C.C.A.Divisional Del Mar
Group 3 1:09.500[36] Scooter Patrick
Don Hulette		 Adam-Mitchell Porsche Special
Jaguar Special-Chevrolet[37][38][39]		 1961 Pacific Coast Championship Sports Car Road Races Del Mar

Physical attributes

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Thetrackhas a one-mile oval with chutes for 7/8 and1+1⁄4-mile races and a seven-eighths mile oval with a diagonal straightaway chute for 1 1/16 and 1 1/8 mile races on theturfcourse. The turf is a mixture of Common Bermuda and Hybrid Bermuda (GN-1). The track hosts live racing for two seasons each year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and can stable more than two thousand horses. Del Mar is known for its tan stucco grandstand located in close proximity to thePacific Ocean.[40]

In early 2007, Del Mar became the second track in Southern California to install a synthetic surface and the first to install aPolytrackbrand surface[41]for a price of approximately $9 million. However, in February 2014 Del Mar president Joe Harper announced his intention to return to a dirt surface for the 2015 racing season.[42]Harper cited a lack of synthetic surfaces in Southern California as the reason for the switch. At the time, bothSanta Anita ParkandHollywood Parkhad both experimented with a synthetic surface but then reverted to dirt.

Panoramic view of the Del Mar Racetrack from the grandstand

TV personalities

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  • Ernie Myers
  • Jon Lies (2007–present)
  • Bob Ike (?–present)
  • Mike Willman (?-2006 full-time, 2007–2009 part-time)

Premium clubs

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The Turf Club

The Turf Club is the Premium Club of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. You must be a member, or a guest of a member, to visit the Turf Club. A buttoned up shirt and jacket are required attire for men.

The Saddle Club

The Saddle Club is the Premium Club of Surfside Race Place. Anybody may visit for a daily fee. There is no required dress code.

The two clubs have no relation to one another. Membership in one doesn't grant access to the other one.

Satellite wagering

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Picture of Surfside Race Place
Inside view of one of the rooms at Surfside Raceplace satellite wagering facility and sports bar of the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Surfside Race Place is located on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The off-track betting facility is open during the off-season of the Del Mar Racetrack live meets.

It has been used for handicapping contests[43][44]as well as handicapping seminars. The 2014 Handicapper of the year Jose Arias qualified and won here. His check at the end was $750,000.[45][46]

Patrons of the Surfside Race Place sports bar can view, and bet on, horse races televised via satellite from around the country, such asAqueduct,Arlington Park,Belmont Park,Calder, Cal Expo Harness,Churchill Downs,Delaware Park, Ellis Park,Fair Grounds,Golden Gate Fields,Gulfstream Park,Hastings, Hawthorne, Kentucky Downs,Laurel Park,Los Alamitos,Meadowlands,Monmouth Park,Oaklawn Park,Pimlico,Remington,Santa Anita Park,Saratoga,Sunland Park,Turfway Park, Victoria Race Tracks, andWoodbine;high-stakes races such as theDubai World Cup;and Grade 1 races such as theKentucky Derby,Preakness Stakes,andBelmont Stakeswhich constitute theTriple Crown.[47]

Surfside Race Place currently offers Bingo on Sundays.[48]

Del Mar Horsepark

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Del Mar Horsepark is a 65 acres (26 ha) equestrian facility located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The park offers:[49]

  • Two grass jumping stadiums with seating for 1,320
  • Covered and lighted arena
  • Four show rings
  • 400 permanent show stalls
  • Dressage ring
  • Four training rings

During the San Diego Fair the Del Mar Horsepark offers free parking for the fairgrounds patrons with free shuttle service to the fairgrounds.[50]

Del Mar Municipal Airport

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In the 1920s, theUnited States Navybuilt theSan Dieguito Air Fieldon the wetlands between theSan Dieguito River,the Del Mar Racetrack, and the area whereInterstate 5now runs.[51]In 1938, the airfield was turned over to civilian control and became the Del Mar Municipal Airport.[51]It served the patrons at the new Del Mar Fairgrounds. DuringWorld War II,the navy took control of the airfield, establishing U.S. Naval Air Facility Del Mar, a base forblimpsto patrol the West Coast.[52]After the war, the field was decommissioned and returned to theState of California.In 1959, the state closed the airport and the land was used for the construction of Interstate 5.[51]

See also

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References

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  1. ^"History: 1936 — A Permanent Home for the Fair".Del Mar Fairgrounds.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  2. ^"About Us".Del Mar Fairgrounds.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  3. ^Horn, Jonathan (February 7, 2011)."Del Mar council approves preliminary fairgrounds governance model".San Diego Union-Tribune.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  4. ^Amy Williams,The Del Mar Race Track 75 Years of Turf and Surf,in The Journal of San Diego History 58:3, Summer 2012
  5. ^Jörgen Nilsson and Amanda Duckworth,Where the Turf meets the Surf,in Gallop Magazine, 2018 (?)
  6. ^Obituary for William Quigley in the Daily News from New York, New York, of March 25, 1942
  7. ^"Del Mar Times".delmartimes.net.Archived fromthe originalon 10 March 2007.Retrieved16 April2018.
  8. ^Rosen, Michael M. (February 8, 2013)."Del Mar rail station's big 'if'".U-T San Diego.
  9. ^Chantal Sutherland face of Del MarArchived2014-01-15 at theWayback Machine
  10. ^"InformationWeek, serving the information needs of the Business Technology Community".InformationWeek.Retrieved16 April2018.
  11. ^"/ Del Mar Race track marketing".Archived fromthe originalon 2014-10-21.Retrieved2019-03-26.
  12. ^"Del Mar Racetrack, Reinventing the Horse Racing Fan Experience".stanford.edu.Retrieved16 April2018.
  13. ^Sondheimer, Eric (17 July 2013)."Opening day at Del Mar racetrack and there's a party going on".Retrieved16 April2018– via LA Times.
  14. ^"Style and Studs - Opening Day at the Del Mar Race Track".www.sandiego.com.17 July 2013.Retrieved16 April2018.
  15. ^"Del Mar Racetrack expansion".utsandiego.com.Retrieved16 April2018.
  16. ^Williams, Gene (2013-08-16)."A Wider, Better Turf Course Is Coming Soon To Del Mar"(Press release). Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.Retrieved2014-02-19.
  17. ^LaMarra, Tom (May 9, 2013)."Hollywood Park to Close in December".bloodhorse.com.The BloodHorse.RetrievedMay 10,2013.
  18. ^"Del Mar racetrack considers additional months".utsandiego.com.Retrieved16 April2018.
  19. ^"Del Mar to Host 2025 Breeders' Cup".Thoroughbred Daily News. 8 November 2023. Archived fromthe originalon 8 November 2023.Retrieved9 November2023.
  20. ^abPosner, Jay (June 5, 2021)."Trevor Denman returning to Del Mar for 2021 horse racing seasons".Del Mar Times.Archivedfrom the original on 2021-06-06.RetrievedAugust 28,2021.
  21. ^"It's official: KAABOO music festival returning to Del Mar Fairgrounds in September 2024".San Diego Union-Tribune.2023-09-13.Retrieved2023-10-09.
  22. ^"Mar Race track entertainment".delmartimes.net.Retrieved16 April2018.[permanent dead link]
  23. ^Del Mar Horse Show
  24. ^"Home".delmarnational.com.
  25. ^"Del Mar Golf Center".Archived fromthe originalon 2013-04-12.Retrieved2013-02-15.
  26. ^List of horse racing venues by capacity
  27. ^"Cool As Ever Campaign".delmartimes.net.Archived fromthe originalon 28 July 2014.Retrieved16 April2018.
  28. ^Del Mar IMSA GTO footage(Video). YouTube. May 14, 2007.Archivedfrom the original on 2021-12-21.RetrievedOctober 14,2018.
  29. ^Del Mar
  30. ^Del Mar Racetrack
  31. ^Shinar, Jack (15 January 2014)."Del Mar Sets Dates for Two Meets in 2014".BloodHorse.com.Retrieved28 October2023.
  32. ^ab"2 h Del Mar 1992".Retrieved11 May2022.
  33. ^"1 h Del Mar 1992".Retrieved11 May2022.
  34. ^ab"Del Mar 1 Hour IMSA GT 1991".Retrieved11 May2022.
  35. ^"SCCA Divisional Del Mar [CM+DM+EM+FM+GM] 1964".Retrieved11 May2022.
  36. ^"Pacific Coast Championship Sports Car Road Races Del Mar".Retrieved11 May2022.
  37. ^"Don Hulette".Retrieved11 May2022.
  38. ^"Corvette Special Cotati".Retrieved11 May2022.
  39. ^"Jaguar Special - Photo Gallery".Retrieved11 May2022.
  40. ^2012 Del Mar Media cGuideArchived2011-11-05 at theWayback Machine
  41. ^"Del Mar Polytrack passes test - Daily Racing Form".www.drf.com.Retrieved16 April2018.
  42. ^Anderson, Steve (February 18, 2014)."Del Mar plans to install dirt track for 2015".drf.com.Daily Racing Form.RetrievedFebruary 19,2014.
  43. ^"Streiff Wins National Handicapping Tour".Blood-Horse.January 10, 2013.RetrievedOctober 16,2018.
  44. ^Tuley, Dave (December 20, 2010)."National Handicapping Tour leader tries to maintain slim advantage over two rivals".Daily Racing Form.RetrievedOctober 16,2018.
  45. ^Zweig, Linda (January 31, 2014)."Surfside Race Place home to 2014 Handicapper of the Year!".Del Mar Fairgrounds(Press release). Archived fromthe originalon April 7, 2014.RetrievedOctober 16,2018.
  46. ^Dempsey, Michael (January 21, 2013)."Surfside Race Place Site for 2.75 Million Handicapping Contest".Bleacher Report.RetrievedOctober 16,2018.
  47. ^Shown Race Tracks[permanent dead link]
  48. ^"Del Mar: Charitable bingo games begin at fairgrounds".Del Mar Times.2013-04-13. Archived fromthe originalon April 13, 2013.RetrievedOctober 16,2018.
  49. ^"Horsepark".Del Mar Fairgrounds.RetrievedOctober 16,2018.
  50. ^"Mar Fairgrounds Free Parking at Horsepark".Archived fromthe originalon 2013-06-28.Retrieved2013-06-25.
  51. ^abcGriffith, John T. (2013-01-23)."Del Mar Racetrack's long lost airport".San Diego Reader.Retrieved2013-01-27.
  52. ^"U.S. Naval Activities World War II by State".Patrick Clancey.RetrievedMarch 19,2012.

Further reading

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32°58′34″N117°15′43″W/ 32.97611°N 117.26194°W/32.97611; -117.26194

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