DAY TRIP Del Mar Racetrack

Del Mar Racetrack is an American thoroughbred horse-racing track 20 miles north of San Diego. The legendary track was built by partners Bing Crosby, Pat O’Brien, Jimmy Durante, and Seabiscuit owner Charles S. Howard, and is best known as the place where “the surf meets the turf.” When the track opened in 1937, Bing Crosby was at the gate to welcome guests. In addition to the one-mile, main dirt track and a seven-furlong turf course, the track has stabling for more than 1,000 horses. The large Plaza de Mexico courtyard just beyond the entrance is one of the most popular places for guests, according to PubClub.com. “Jockeys and horses can be seen parading on the track before they race, and a small stage hosts concerts on Four O’Clock Fridays. Think kicked-back Kentucky Derby.”

HOURS

Gates open at noon on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. on weekends, opening and closing days.

Post times: First post daily is at 2 p.m. except on “Four O’Clock Fridays” when post time is either 3:30 or 4 p.m.

ADMISSION

Closed Tuesdays

Admission includes a racing program.

Clubhouse $10 (seat not included)

Children 17 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Active duty military personnel admitted free every day with valid military identification.

Senior citizens 62 & admitted for $4 on weekdays only with valid ID.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-5 to the Via De La Valle exit (exit 36) toward Del Mar. Turn right onto Via De La Valle. Turn left onto Jimmy Durante Boulevard.

PARKING

General parking $6

Amtrak and Coaster (local commuter) trains stop at the nearby Solana Beach station, and Del Mar provides a free shuttle (double decker buses) between the track and the station.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

No alcoholic beverages or glass containers may be brought to any area of the racetrack. Guests are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages.

BETTING

At Del Mar, betting windows are located throughout the track. The minimum straight win, place or show wager is $2. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club website lists the following descriptions of categories and statistics on wagers:

WIN — You win if your horse finishes First. On average, over 30% of favorites Win.

PLACE — You win if your horse finishes First or Second. On average, over 45% of favorites Win or Place.

SHOW — You win if your horse finishes First, Second or Third. On average, over 60% of favorites Win, Place or Show.

TRACKSIDE RESTAURANTS

There are three outdoor restaurants with tables where guests can watch the races. Each table seats up to four people. A minimum food and beverage charge of $7.50 per person is required. Admission is sold separately.

FOUR O’ CLOCK FRIDAYS

There is a concert every Friday after the last race, at approximately 7 p.m. Concerts are held in the Plaza de Mexico just inside the Stretch Run entrance gate, and are free with paid admission. The concert area is standing room only — no reserved seating is available. For a schedule, go to www.dmtc.com.

— Sue Thoensen