San Diego sunshine and coastal breezes welcomed a bustling crowd at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and the races were just as expected. Women wore beautiful hats and fanned their faces with programs. The racehorses paraded around a grassy arena as the crowd placed bets. “And they’re off!” yelled the announcer.
Throughout the season, a day at the Del Mar horse races promises good food, signature drinks, and an exciting show.
The club, established in 1937, offers dining, drinks, an exclusive Turf Club and some of the best races in the world, as well as outdoor concerts and family activities between scheduled races. The racetrack is within a three-hour drive to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, just north of San Diego. And it’s well worth a weekend trip from Santa Clarita!
On race day, gates open at 11:30 a.m., but guests arrive early and begin lining up at 11 a.m. Valet and trams are available for access from the parking lots to the club. And though many guests bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs, dining at the club is a wonderful way to place bets and kick off the races.
There are multiple options to grab a bite before the races begin. While concession stands are available, many guests opt to sit down and arrange betting. The Paddock Tavern is a convenient and popular stop for hand-carved sandwiches and specialty drinks. Amidst excellent people watching on the patio, we suggest a glass of champagne and a toast. Follow up your bubbly with a cheese plate at the Veranda Cafe in the second-floor clubhouse, or plan ahead and enjoy the derby buffet on the sixth-floor Stretch Run at il Palio. Regardless of your lunch choice, you’ll find track-side dining to be exciting and delicious.
As guests enjoy drinks before the race, many take the opportunity to place their bets, though there are plenty of places throughout the track to do so. Look through the racing booklet, handed to guests as they enter the track, for detailed information on race times, horses, jockeys, predictions, race and jockey statistics, betting amounts, and more. For each race, bets have to be placed by a certain time, which is outlined in the booklet, as well.
Once the races begin, the crowd is alive with excitement. Horses can be seen as they walk through The Apron, a grassy viewing arena where guests can see the stars of the races up close. Rooting for a horse or jockey is all part of the fun, and if your horse happens to win, you can celebrate at 17 Hands, a bar with street tacos on the menu and a young crowd. No matter how you spend a day at the racetrack, it always ends with a San Diego sunset and your fill of adventure!
For more information about the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, call 858-792-4242 or visit www.dmtc.com.
