Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack

Whether you’re invested in the jockeys with their trustworthy steeds, or you just want to make an impression in your newest chapeau, the opening day of the races at the Del Mar Racetrack is the place to be. Each season, the stakes grow higher accompanied by spectators’ anticipation as they follow along with the riders, anticipating the victories and crowned winners. It’s not just the horses who are receiving all of the attention each season; it’s the couture fashion that draws individuals to observe trending styles and show off their own unique looks. It really doesn’t matter what your motives are for going to the races, as long as you enjoy the event of the summer!

Attend opening day on Friday, July 20th at the gorgeous Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Existing since the 1930s with celebrity visits from icons like Bing Crosby, the racetrack has gained some unabashed notoriety over the decades for its classic beauty. Located in the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this venue is not only perfect for horse racing, but the seaside views are memorizing. 

Assuming you’re an avid enthusiast or even a semi-interested individual, the races are the best way for you to experience in real-time the excitement and anticipation from your seat. See the jockeys and their horses as they struggle to free themselves from the pack and accept triumph and defeat when they pass the finish line—there’s nothing quite like the thrill! Where else can you enjoy a gorgeous summer day relaxing in the shade and sipping on a beverage all while being encapsulated in the exhilaration of the races?

Not all who attend the races are solely there to watch the horses. For many, opening day at Del Mar is the premier time and place to showcase their elegant attire and be seen by the thousands of loyal spectators. Opening day is one of the largest social spectacles of the summer in the San Diego area, and what an ideal location to display the latest fashions. Of the accessories that have become commonplace at these races, exaggerated hats and turf club attire are the most prominent––they're so notable, in fact, that there are even contests based around the unique hat craze at the annual races.

Speaking of the prestigious hat contest, each year the unique and outlandish spectacle of hats gets recognized at the Opening Day Hats Contest. In three and a half-hour time period, ladies can enter the Plaza de Mexico section of the races and enter their hats to be judged for 5 separate categories of headwear. Categories range from most outrageous to best racing theme, encouraging women to create bigger and more creative hats each year! Cash prizes are allotted to the top 3 winners of each category, with more than $5,000 in total prizes. The grand prize winners receive a hotel getaway and meal voucher that totals up to over $1,000! It’s safe to say that the bigger the better when it comes to these hats because size really does matter.

If you want to take your opening day at the Del Mar Racetrack experience to the next level, "The Party" is an event branching off from the races that includes access to a new array of activities and fun. For a ticket price of $50, those wanting to keep enjoying their day with added festivities will appreciate the lineup of special activities just for party guests. Dancing and music are provided by world-class DJs. Trade out the traditional race food for food trucks and even a beer garden and cocktail bar to truly unwind! There’s a lot more entertainment to be explored, including private wagering on the races. With so much to do and explore, you’ll definitely want to check out "The Party" on opening day.

The event of the summer is approaching quickly; July 20th will be here sooner than you know, and opening day is an event fully worth attending. With over 40,000 spectators in attendance, you’ll be content knowing you made it to one of the most lavish social events of the season.