Racing Season Kicking Off Soon at Del Mar

In 1937, as the gates to the Del Mar Racecourse opened for the first time, Bing Crosby stood smiling to welcome the first spectator to the new establishment. A year later, more than twenty thousand people found themselves watching history in the making as Seabiscuit defeated Ligaroti on 12 August 1938 in the much anticipated show down. This year, on 16 July 2008, this magnificent racecourse, just north of San Diego, will continue its tradition of spellbinding horse racing action and breathtaking entertainment.

Joe Harper has been the general manager and the track president of the Del Mar Racecourse for thirty years. Every year, without fail, he excitedly organizes a magnificent season of racing, and has been very successful in letting his passion and enthusiasm for the sport of horse racing flow over to the staff and spectators who loyally support the Del Mar Racecourse at every racing event. For the sixty-ninth season of racing, Harper has ensured a quality lineup of contenders and a breathtaking entertainment schedule. Although most people know Del Mar Racecourse to be the venue of great parties and fun, the focus still remains on the horses and racing.

Last year, the Del Mar Racecourse installed a Polytrack to try and curb racing related injuries and fatalities, and even though they reduced the number of fatalities, Harper is still not happy. They have gone the extra mile to try and make the track even safer, by adding more water and wax during the off season and by installing reverse-osmosis water tanks. And with safety and racing in mind, the season will kick off with the traditional hat contests, where spectators can win magnificent prizes in the categories of Best Flowers, Best Racing Theme, Most Glamorous and Most Outrageous. Post-race and infield concerts will once again be hosted on Fridays and Saturdays, and world class performers such as Pinback, Gavin Rossdale, Ziggy Marley, Devo and Gnarls Barkley have confirmed their performances. Over and above the live entertainment, the racecourse has also arranged seminars, festivals, family events and spectacular giveaways throughout the season.

With so much excitement, a great variety of entertainment and racing action beyond compare, the racing season at Del Mar Racecourse is set to be even bigger and better than last year. Even though there will be numerous attractions and features during the season, most spectators join the festivities at the racecourse to enjoy top class racing action and to try their hand at making a winning wager.