Where the Turf Meets the Surf

 If your a Southern Californian, summer time means TONS of events like county fairs, concerts, beer fests, oyster fests, wine fests, etc. Unique to San Diego are the infamous Thoroughbred Horse Races at the Del Mar Racetrack and Comic Con. Both events draw travelers from around the country and sometimes around the world. 

This past weekend, one of my best friends and I went to test our luck at the horse races in Del Mar.

Del Mar's Racing season starts off with the infamous "opening day at the races". This is when people come all decked out to the nines, with all sorts of crazy and large hats to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather, drink some cocktails, bet on some horses, and look beautiful while doing it. This year, I was unfortunately not able to attend due to clinic, ::cough:: slave labor ::cough::, but every day after that you will always find people all dressed for the occasion.

 

Admission is $10 to enter and bet on up to eleven races. 

Sometimes you can find 50% groupons for admission though! Groupon is featuring a deal now! Click here.

 

 Before races, it's advised to go to the Paddock area, where they show the horses and saddle them up before their upcoming race. This gives you an opportunity to see how the horses look, and see which ones may tickle your fancy to bet on.

Betting begins at $2 per horse, per race. For the cheapies out there like me, you can bet a horse to Win, Place (come in first or second), or Show (come in first, second, or third). There are many other bets you can make and other betting terms, but I won't bore you with them here, you can find that information on the 3rd page of your race program. 

The race program also gives you some hints and background information on some of the horses that may be likely to win. The race program also shows information on betting for races that are occurring at the Saratoga Racetrack, Sacramento Racetrack, and others across the US.

The beauty of the Del Mar Racetrack is that you can get up close and personal with the horses at the paddock, being only feet away, and also while the race is occurring. It's such a beautiful site to see such strong and muscular animals whizz by you in the blink of an eye.

 

The Del Mar Racetrack also features FREE concerts on Friday evenings right after the races. The concerts are Free with race admission, and it's definitely something I've grown up doing. In high school my friends and I used to buy tickets for the last 2 or 3 races, and then stay for the concerts. 

This year artists like MAGIC!, Weezer, Steel Pulse, Steve Aoki, the Counting Crows and more, will be playing on Friday evenings. Check out the concert schedule here.  

Del Mar Racetrack is definitely a fun destination. Go bet on your luck today!

"Where the turf meets the surf

down at old Del Mar

take a plane

take a train

take a car. 

There is a smile on every face

 and a winner in each race 

where the turf meets the surf at Del Mar." 

~Bing Crosby