OPENING DAY AT THE RACES | Southern California’s Del Mar Racetrack Schedules New Main Events
An essential ingredient to the Southern California summer entertainment scene, the Del Mar racetrack has packed its 2010 calendar with more main events and remarkable deals than ever before. The seven-week racing season will kick-off with Opening Day festivities on July 21 and run through September 8.
Leading off the 71st season is Del Mar’s famed Opening Day celebration, expected to draw more than 40,000 celebrities, socialites and fun-seekers 
to the track. The “One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest” will help launch the historic meeting by continuing the eye-catching tradition of glamorous, comedic and simply beautiful hats. Among the many other summer happenings on tap at the scenic seaside oval are:
Engines roaring from downtown to the track on July 25 during the 2nd Annual Harley Davidson Ride to the Races to benefit the Aseltine School for children with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.
In honor of the Cougar II Handicap – at 12 furlongs Del Mar’s longest race of the season – Miss Cougar Del Mar will be selected to reign again this year. July 30 is Cougar Day, honoring self-proclaimed mature single women on the prowl. 
Cougar candidates can submit their entry for Miss Cougar Del Mar at www.delmarscene.com beginning July 14. Finalists will be announced on July 28 and the winner will be crowned during the races on July 30.
The Cool As Ever Tech Event is back this year on August 14, drawing crowds of the most tech-savvy influencers in Southern California for a party at the races to celebrate social media and all things tech. Details and costs are to be announced.
The $1 Million Pacific Classic, presented by TVG, is Del Mar’s richest race of the season, which means the best horses, the best jockeys and a grandstand full of serious racing fans. Pacific Classic Day is also celebrated with a Craft Microbrew Festival and Local Music Showcase in the Infield on Saturday, August 28.
Labor Day, September 6, brings one of the season’s most festive crowds to celebrate the last weekend of the racing season. This year, racing fans will not only catch Thoroughbreds on the track, but Wiener dogs, too. The Wiener Dog National San Diego Finals will determine the fastest Wiener dog in San Diego.
Between major events Del Mar offers weekly deals as impressive as the Thoroughbreds themselves. Here are a few of the reasons to attend the famed track:
- Every Racing Day - It’s free and simple to sign up for the Diamond Club onsite where membership grants half-off admission any day of
the meet. As a result, a family of four, with two kids under 18, can spend a full day cheering on the horses for only $6. - Wednesdays – “Free and Easy Wednesdays” provide free grandstand admission, a complimentary reserved seat, a free program, as well as half-priced beer, soda and hot dogs in Stretch Run concessions every Wednesday with the exception of Opening Day. Free and Easy Wednesdays are for Diamond Club members only.
- Thursdays - Every Thursday the track will give away a cruise to Mexico during the Carnival Cruise Contest. Diamond Club members are automatically entered to win upon admission. Two names will be chosen to watch the 7th race from the Winners’ Circle and select the horse they believe will win. The person having chosen the horse that does the best will win the cruise. In addition, Thursdays are Senior Day, providing seniors Stretch Run admission, a program and a seat – all for free.
- Fridays/Select Saturdays – The Del Mar Summer Concert Series, featuring “4 O’Clock Fridays,” returns this year with highly anticipated free concerts every Friday after the last race and on select Saturdays. This year’s lineup includes Weezer, ZZ Top, The B52s, Matisyahu, Jimmy Cliff and more. Beer fests on August 14, 21 and September 4 and a Microbrew Festival on August 28 will add extra pizzazz to the free Saturday concerts.
- Saturdays and Sundays - Every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., fans have the chance to get the inside scoop on racing with Daybreak at Del Mar. Catch the morning workouts with commentary and a Q&A from trackside announcer and former jockey Jeff Bloom. Breakfast at the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant for less than $10 as the horses gallop by is one of San Diego’s great deals. Donuts Days on July 24 and August 21 offer another opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look into racing lead by track announcer Trevor Denman and special guest jockeys and trainers from 8 – 10 a.m. Donuts, coffee and juice will be offered free of charge.
- As is tradition, every Sunday is Family Day at the races with entertainment for the kids in the Infield including pony rides and inflatable games. Sunday, July 25 is a special Family Fun Day presented by Toyota, in which kids 12 and under will receive a free Webkinz Plush Horse and can enjoy an Infield packed with fun including a rock climbing wall, magic shows, a playground and more. A second Family Fun Day will take place on Labor Day, September 6.
Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesday through Sunday, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post is at 4 p.m. for the first four Fridays and 3:30 p.m. for the last three. There will be a special Monday racing card on Labor Day, September 6. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarscene.com. You can follow the Del Mar racetrack on Twitter, @DelMarRacing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DelMarRaces.
Haven’t Purchased your Opening Day Tickets for the Del Mar Horse Races on Wed July 21st? Click on link below for online admissions:
http://www.dmtc.com/season/tickets/sabo.php (*Tickets will be mailed directly if purchased before July 12, 2010.)
