Origins and Founding
Del Mar Racetrack was built in 1936 by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, with founding member Bing Crosby providing leadership. Crosby, who served as President of the Turf Club, partnered with his close friend, movie star Pat O’Brien, who served as Vice President. Crosby was a Rancho Santa Fe resident and racing aficionado who partnered with movie star friends and investors to build the one-mile racetrack in 1937.
Opening Day
Bing Crosby was there to greet the first fan through the gate when Del Mar opened on July 3, 1937. The opening drew an exciting crowd of 15,000 people, launching what would become decades of premier horse racing.
Early Highlights
One of the most significant early events was the famous Seabiscuit-Ligaroti match race held in August during the track’s inaugural year, which helped establish Del Mar’s reputation in the racing world.
Hollywood Connection
The track’s Hollywood origins are evident throughout its history. Since the racetrack opened, the rich and famous flocked there in their free time to place their bets, maintaining its glamorous reputation as a playground for celebrities and entertainment industry figures.
Location and Setting
Located close to the Pacific Ocean, the racetrack offers a unique blend of racing and natural beauty, with panoramic ocean views and gentle coastal breezes. This coastal setting has made it distinctive among American racetracks, earning it the nickname captured in its famous song: “Where the turf meets the surf”.
Recent Success
From 1990-2000, Del Mar wielded the record for the nation’s highest daily average attendance for a full decade and routinely topped the category for the nation’s largest daily average handle. The track has continued to thrive into the 21st century, maintaining its status as one of America’s premier racing destinations.
Today, Del Mar remains a beloved fixture in horse racing, combining its rich Hollywood heritage with world-class racing in one of the most beautiful settings in American thoroughbred racing.
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