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{{Short description|Event venue in Del Mar, California, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
[[Image:Del-Mar-Race-Track.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack; looking northwest along the [[Pacific Ocean]] coastline]]

The '''Del Mar Fairgrounds''' is an event venue in [[Del Mar, California]]. It hosts the annual [[San Diego County Fair]]. The venue sits on a {{convert|370|acres|km2|1|adj=on}} property along the Pacific Ocean coastline. It includes the Del Mar Racetrack, built in 1936 by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, with founding member [[Bing Crosby]] providing leadership.<ref name="DelMarHistory1936">{{cite web |title=History: 1936 — A Permanent Home for the Fair |url=http://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/index.php?fuseaction=about.history_1936 |website=Del Mar Fairgrounds |access-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref>

The Del Mar Fairgrounds and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club share one address for the complex.<ref name="DelMarAboutUs">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/index.php?fuseaction=about.home |access-date=October 14, 2018 |website=Del Mar Fairgrounds}}</ref> The site is owned by the State of California and is managed by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, a state agency that hosts more than 300 annual events.<ref name="UT">{{cite news |last=Horn |first=Jonathan |title=Del Mar council approves preliminary fairgrounds governance model |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/feb/07/del-mar-council-approves-preliminary-fairgrounds-g/ |date=February 7, 2011 |newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=October 14, 2018}}</ref> Its staff organizes major annual events and runs Surfside Race Place, the year-round satellite horse racing facility. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club leases the facilities for their live meets each year.

==History==
After opening of the [[Santa Anita Park]] racetrack in [[Arcadia, California]], on Christmas Day 1934, [[William Quigley (coach)|William A. Quigley]], a resident of [[La Jolla]], formed the idea of starting a racetrack on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. He pitched this to Bing Crosby, and they founded the Del Mar Turf Club on May 6, 1936. Quigley was General Manager of the racetrack until his death at the age of 49 in 1942.<ref>Amy Williams, [https://sandiegohistory.org/journal/v58-3/v58-3williams.pdf The Del Mar Race Track 75 Years of Turf and Surf], in The Journal of San Diego History 58:3, Summer 2012</ref><ref>Jörgen Nilsson and Amanda Duckworth, [https://www.gallop-magazine.com/turf-meets-surf/ Where the Turf meets the Surf], in ''Gallop Magazine'', 2018 (?)</ref><ref name=obit>Obituary for William Quigley in the ''Daily News from New York'', New York, of March 25, 1942</ref> When Del Mar opened in 1937, Bing Crosby was at the gate to personally greet the fans. On August 12, 1938, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosted a $25,000 winner-take-all [[match race]] between [[Charles S. Howard|Charles S. Howard's]] [[Seabiscuit]] and the [[Binglin Stable|Binglin Stable's]] colt, Ligaroti. In an era when horse racing ranked second in popularity with Americans to [[Major League Baseball]], the match race was the first nationwide broadcast of a thoroughbred race by [[NBC|NBC radio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delmartimes.net/articles012304.html|title=''Del Mar Times''|website=delmartimes.net|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310230656/http://www.delmartimes.net/articles012304.html|archive-date=10 March 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the race, Seabiscuit was ridden by jockey [[George Woolf]] and Ligaroti by Noel Richardson. In front of a record crowd that helped make Del Mar race track a success, Seabiscuit won by a nose.

By 1940, Del Mar became a summer playground for many [[Hollywood (film industry)|Hollywood]] stars. Between 1942 and 1944, the facility was closed due to the [[Second World War]]. Initially, the grounds were used for training by the [[United States Marine Corps]], then as a manufacturing site for parts to [[B-17 bombers]].

The first [[Bing Crosby Stakes]] was held at Del Mar in 1946 and that same year the [[Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway|Santa Fe Railroad]] began offering a racetrack special bringing spectators, bettors, and horses to Del Mar from [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/08/del-mar-rail-stations-big-if/|title=Del Mar rail station's big 'if'|work=[[U-T San Diego]]|date= February 8, 2013|first=Michael M. |last=Rosen}}</ref> Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, the track became the [[Saratoga Race Course|Saratoga]] of the West for summer racing. The track had large purses for many stakes, many of which were won by the famous jockey [[Bill Shoemaker]].

[[File:Bill Shoemaker in a race at Del Mar.jpg|thumb|left|Bill Shoemaker in a race at Del Mar in 1970]]

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Del Mar was one of the premier racetracks in the country. The track attempted to run a fall meet in the 1960s but later canceled it after lackluster results. This allowed for the creation of the [[Oak Tree Racing Association]] at the [[Santa Anita race track]].

In the 1980s, the infield was opened to spectators and in 1984 [[Trevor Denman]] became the voice of Del Mar and in the 1990s, the track underwent a major renovation. The grandstand of the Del Mar Fairgrounds was demolished and replaced. In 1991, the track ran its richest race to date, the $1,000,000 [[Graded stakes race|Grade I]] [[Pacific Classic Stakes]]. The first Classic was won by a top three-year-old named [[Best Pal]].

[[File:Del Mar Racetrack, July 2008.jpg|thumb|Horses crossing the finish line at the Del Mar Racetrack]]

Beginning in 2000, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's marketing team realized they had to attract a more youthful audience as well as a female audience. They focused Del Mar as a fashionable destination, using social media and other avenues to market the racetrack. They adopted the slogan "Cool as Ever" and created a new brand around "Del Mar Scene". They also hired jockey and model [[Chantal Sutherland]] to be the new face of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.<ref>[http://ranchandcoast.com/CONNECT/32/PERSONALITIES/4322/CHANTAL-SUTHERLAND-RACY-LADY/ Chantal Sutherland face of Del Mar] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115024240/http://ranchandcoast.com/CONNECT/32/PERSONALITIES/4322/CHANTAL-SUTHERLAND-RACY-LADY/ |date=2014-01-15 }}</ref>

Del Mar has changed in demographics and audience attendance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecmosite.com/author.asp?section_id=1137&doc_id=238849|title=InformationWeek, serving the information needs of the Business Technology Community|website=InformationWeek|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bsports.com/statsinsights/racing/as-horse-racing-fades-del-mar-bucks-the-trend |title=/ Del Mar Race track marketing |access-date=2019-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021093124/https://www.bsports.com/statsinsights/racing/as-horse-racing-fades-del-mar-bucks-the-trend |archive-date=2014-10-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The marketing campaign of the Del Mar Racetrack has been used as a Stanford business study to see if their strategy could be done at other racetracks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/case-studies/del-mar-racetrack-reinventing-horse-racing-fan-experience|title=Del Mar Racetrack, Reinventing the Horse Racing Fan Experience|website=stanford.edu|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref>

One of the largest draws each year for the Del Mar Racetrack has become Opening Day with its hats contest and parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2013-jul-17-la-sp-del-mar-20130718-8-story.html|title=Opening day at Del Mar racetrack and there's a party going on|first=Eric|last=Sondheimer|date=17 July 2013|access-date=16 April 2018|via=LA Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego.com/san-diego-blog/style-and-studs-opening-day-del-mar-race-track|title=Style and Studs - Opening Day at the Del Mar Race Track|website=www.sandiego.com|date=17 July 2013|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref>

In March 2013, there was a vote to expand the turf portion of the racetrack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/mar/12/del-mar-racetrack-expansion-affordable-housing/,|title=Del Mar Racetrack expansion|website=utsandiego.com|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref> Construction began later in the year, and the work was completed in time for the 2014 racing season. The work included widening the course to 80 feet and softening the curve coming out of the diagonal chute, thus allowing more horses to compete in turf races.<ref>{{cite press release |last=Williams|first=Gene|date=2013-08-16|title=A Wider, Better Turf Course Is Coming Soon To Del Mar|url=http://www.dmtc.com/racinginfo/pr/index.php?article=awiderbetterturfcourseiscomingsoont|publisher=Del Mar Thoroughbred Club|access-date=2014-02-19}}</ref> The following year, Del Mar renovated the main track, installing El Segundo Sand.

Starting in 2014, Del Mar began to run more racing cards due to the closure of the [[Hollywood Park Racetrack]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/78167/hollywood-park-to-close-in-december|title=Hollywood Park to Close in December|last1=LaMarra|first1=Tom|date=May 9, 2013|work=bloodhorse.com|publisher=The BloodHorse|access-date=May 10, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Feb/05/del-mar-considering/all/|title=Del Mar racetrack considers additional months|website=utsandiego.com|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref> A fall meet was added, featuring the [[Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes]], [[Hollywood Derby]], and [[Matriarch Stakes]]. Del Mar hosted the [[Breeders' Cup]] for the first time in November 2017 and for a second time in November 2021. The track is scheduled to host the Breeders' Cup again in 2024 and 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Del Mar to Host 2025 Breeders' Cup |url=https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/report-del-mar-to-host-2025-breeders-cup/ |publisher=Thoroughbred Daily News |access-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108234727/https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/report-del-mar-to-host-2025-breeders-cup/ |archive-date=8 November 2023 |date=8 November 2023}}</ref>

The meet in 2020 was held [[behind closed doors (sports)|behind closed doors]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. [[Larry Collmus]] temporarily replaced Denman as Voice of Del Mar after 36 years for the summer meet. Denman did return for the fall meet in November,{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} and resumed calling the Del Mar races in July 2021.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Posner|first=Jay|date=June 5, 2021|title=Trevor Denman returning to Del Mar for 2021 horse racing seasons|url=https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2021-06-05/trevor-denman-del-mar-2021-horse-racing|url-status=live|access-date=August 28, 2021|website=Del Mar Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606003411/https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2021-06-05/trevor-denman-del-mar-2021-horse-racing |archive-date=2021-06-06 }}</ref>

Similar to the meet in 2020, around the COVID pandemic period, it was decided that the KAABOO festival would also be relocated from the Padres to their original place in the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Mark Terry with FLAAC said “it made sense to bring [KAABOO] back to its inaugural home where it had performed so well.”  “Its official: KAABOO music festival returning to Del Mar Fairgrounds in September 2024.” from San Diego Union Tribune also states that the “Board members for the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which runs the fairgrounds, approved the deal with Festival Licensing and Acquisition Corp.” KAABOO music festivals change of location was signed Tuesday and will take action in September 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-13 |title=It's official: KAABOO music festival returning to Del Mar Fairgrounds in September 2024 |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/del-mar/story/2023-09-13/kaaboo-music-festival-officially-returning-to-del-mar-fairgrounds-in-september-2024 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Events ==
[[File:Del Mar Fair - 2597193114.jpg|thumb|2008 San Diego County Fair]]
There are over 300 events that take place on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Some of the most well known include:
* [[San Diego County Fair]], previously known as Del Mar Fair
* Del Mar National Horse Show
* Scream Zone
* Holiday of Lights

===Racing===
The track races from July to September as well as a second meet in November through early December as of 2014. The following graded events were held at Del Mar in 2022.

{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
'''Grade 1 :'''
* [[Bing Crosby Stakes]]
* [[Clement L. Hirsch Stakes]]
* [[Del Mar Debutante Stakes]]	
* [[Del Mar Futurity]]	
* [[Del Mar Oaks]]	
* [[Pacific Classic Stakes]]

{{col-break}}
'''Grade 2 :'''
* [[Del Mar Mile Handicap]]
* [[Del Mar Derby]]	
* [[Del Mar Handicap]]
* [[Eddie Read Stakes]]	
* [[Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes]]
* [[John C. Mabee Stakes]]
* [[Pat O'Brien Stakes]]		
* [[San Clemente Stakes]]
* [[San Diego Handicap]]
* [[Seabiscuit Handicap]]
* [[Sorrento Stakes]]
* [[Yellow Ribbon Handicap]]

{{col-break}}
'''Grade 3 :'''
* [[Best Pal Stakes]]
* [[Bob Hope Stakes]]
* [[Cecil B. DeMille Stakes]]
* [[Cougar II Stakes]]
* [[Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes]]
* [[Green Flash Handicap]]
* [[Jimmy Durante Stakes]]
* [[Native Diver Stakes]]
* [[Rancho Bernardo Handicap]]
* [[Beverly Hills Handicap|Red Carpet Stakes]]
* [[Torrey Pines Stakes]]

{{col-break}}
'''Ungraded stakes:'''
* [[Adoration Stakes]]
* [[Betty Grable Stakes]]
* [[Cary Grant Stakes]]
* [[Daisycutter Handicap]]
* [[Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf Stakes]]
* [[Desi Arnaz Stakes]]
* [[La Jolla Handicap]]
* [[Shared Belief Stakes]] (formerly the El Cajon)
* [[Oceanside Stakes]]
* [[Osunitas Stakes]]
* [[Pirate's Bounty Stakes]]
* [[Solana Beach Handicap]]
* [[Tranquility Lake Stakes]]
* [[Wickerr Stakes]]
* [[Windy Sands Handicap]]

{{col-break}}
'''Discontinued stakes :'''
* [[Cabrillo Handicap]]
* [[Junior Miss Stakes]]
{{col-end}}

===Other events===
* Opening Day at Del Mar with their famous hat contest  
* Family Fun Day every Saturday and Sunday where the infield offers free entertainment for kids.
*Camp Del Mar: A Daycare center for the kids while the parents are spending the day at the track (discontinued in 2019).
* Giveaway Days: The items vary each year what is being given away<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delmartimes.net/2014/07/13/del-mar-racing-season-ready-to-run-with-variety-of-engaging-events/Del|title=Mar Race track entertainment|website=delmartimes.net|access-date=16 April 2018}} {{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== Arena ==
Del Mar Arena is a 3,500-seat [[arena]] in the fairgrounds complex; and it is used for sporting events, [[concerts]], and other special events. It was built in 1991. In 2009, it was remodeled and a roof was added.

It was home of the  [[San Diego Sockers (2009–)|San Diego Sockers]] indoor soccer team from 2009 to 2012. The Del Mar National Horse Show is hosted here.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130630025909/http://delmar-carmelvalley.patch.com/events/del-mar-national-horse-show-western-week Del Mar Horse Show<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.delmarnational.com/ |title=Home |website=delmarnational.com}}</ref>

== Exhibit facilities ==
[[File:Del Mar Fair - 2597213864.jpg|thumb|Exhibition facilities]]
Del Mar Fairgrounds features six exhibit halls totalling {{convert|219380|sqft|m2|0}} of space.  The largest is Pat O'Brien Hall with {{convert|68680|sqft|m2|0}} of space, a ceiling height of {{convert|35|ft|m|0}}, and seating up to 6,800. Others include the {{convert|55200|sqft|m2|-1|adj=on}} Exhibit Hall seating up to 5,500; Bing Crosby Hall with {{convert|31900|sqft|m2|-1}} of space and seating up to 3,500; the {{convert|45|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Wyland Center with {{convert|30800|sqft|m2|-1}} of space and seating up to 3,000; the {{convert|19800|sqft|m2|-1|adj=on}} Activity Center seating up to 2,200; and Mission Tower with {{convert|13000|sqft|m2|-2}} of space and seating up to 1,200.

== Del Mar Golf Center ==
The Del Mar Fairgrounds includes the Del Mar Golf Center  The Golf Center includes two 18 hole miniature golf courses, a driving range, the Golf Mart golf store, and offers private lessons, clinics, and classes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/22/tp-fun-trail-offers-natures-wonders-but-watch-out/ |title=Del Mar Golf Center<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2013-02-15 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412023501/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/22/tp-fun-trail-offers-natures-wonders-but-watch-out/ |archive-date=2013-04-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During peak demand periods, e.g. during the Live Races and the San Diego Fair, the driving range is used for additional parking.

== Racetrack ==
{{Infobox Racecourse
| Name         = Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
|Image= [[File:Del_Mar_Thoroughbred_Club_logo.svg]]|Caption=Del Mar Thoroughbred Club logo
|Location= Del Mar, California
|Operator=Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
|Opened= July 3, 1937
|RaceType = [[Thoroughbred]]
|CourseType = Turf, Dirt
|Website=http://DMTC.com
| NotableRaces = Pacific Classic (G1)<br />Eddie Read Stakes (G1)<br />Del Mar Oaks (G1)<br /> Bing Crosby Stakes (G1)<br /> Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1)<br /> Del Mar Debutante (G1)<br /> Del Mar Futurity (G1)
}}

The [[horse racing]] track is exactly {{convert|1|mi|km|3}} long, and races are run [[Clockwise and counterclockwise|counter-clockwise]]. With a capacity of 44,000, it is the second largest horse-racing venue in the western United States, after the nearby [[Santa Anita Park]].<ref>[[List of horse racing venues by capacity]]</ref> It is known for the slogans: "Where The Turf Meets The Surf" as well as "Cool as Ever."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delmartimes.net/2012/08/08/cool-as-ever-longtime-partners-are-thriving-ad-men-at-agency-meadsdurket/|title=Cool As Ever Campaign|website=delmartimes.net|access-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728051620/http://www.delmartimes.net/2012/08/08/cool-as-ever-longtime-partners-are-thriving-ad-men-at-agency-meadsdurket/|archive-date=28 July 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>  It was built by a partnership including [[Bing Crosby]], actors [[Pat O'Brien (actor)|Pat O'Brien]], [[Gary Cooper]], [[Joe E. Brown]], [[Charles S. Howard]] and [[Oliver Hardy]]. A 100-mile AAA championship Indianapolis-type car race was held at Del Mar in November 1949, but the death of popular local driver [[Rex Mays]] in that event caused "big car" racing to disappear from Southern California circuits for 18 years. (In addition, the horse racing community was deeply resentful of oil-dripping cars being run on the horse-oriented dirt racing surface.)

There was a temporary auto-racing circuit held in the race track parking lot during the mid-1960s and between 1987 and 1992. The latter hosted an [[IMSA GT Championship|IMSA Camel GT]] race. Both circuits were {{convert|1.600|mi|km|abbr=on}} long with layouts that were different from each other.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=May 14, 2007 |title=Del Mar IMSA GTO footage |medium=Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HuFiUz5zZA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/_HuFiUz5zZA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=October 14, 2018 |publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>[http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/CA/DelMar.html Del Mar<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

The Del Mar Racetrack runs live racing from July through early September and, since 2014, a second live meet is run in November.<ref>[http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/mar/27/del-mar-racing/ Del Mar Racetrack]</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Shinar | first=Jack | title=Del Mar Sets Dates for Two Meets in 2014 | website=BloodHorse.com | date=15 January 2014 | url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/116471/del-mar-sets-dates-for-two-meets-in-2014 | access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref> A satellite wagering facility operates during the other months of the year. [[Larry Collmus]] temporarily replaced [[Trevor Denman]] in 2020 after 36 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Denman returned to announcing at the Del Mar summer meet in July 2021 while Collmus continues to call the fall meet.<ref name=":0" />

===Race lap records===

{| class="wikitable"
!Category!!Time!!Driver!!Vehicle!!Event
|-
! colspan=5 | IMSA Grand Prix Circuit: 2.575&nbsp;km (1987–1992)
|-
| [[IMSA GT classes#Grand Touring Prototype|GTP]] || '''1:00.334'''<ref name='1992_delmar_imsa'>{{cite web |title=2 h Del Mar 1992 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Del_Mar-1992-10-11.html |date=11 October 1992 |access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Juan Manuel Fangio II]] || [[Eagle MkIII]] || [[1992 IMSA GT Championship|1992 Vons Grand Prix of San Diego]] 
|-
| [[IMSA GT classes#Grand Touring Prototype|GTP Lights]] || '''1:06.390'''<ref name='1992_delmar_imsa' /> || [[Dan Marvin]] || [[Spice SE91P]] || [[1992 IMSA GT Championship|1992 Vons Grand Prix of San Diego]]
|-
| [[IMSA GT classes#Grand Touring Over|GTO]] || '''1:07.768'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1 h Del Mar 1992 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Del_Mar-1992-10-11g.html |date=11 October 1992 |access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Robby Gordon]] || [[Ford Mustang#Road racing|Ford Mustang]] || [[1992 IMSA GT Championship|1992 Vons Grand Prix of San Diego]]
|-
| [[IMSA GT classes#Grand Touring Under|GTU]] || '''1:13.402'''<ref name='1991_delmar_imsa_gt'>{{cite web |title=Del Mar 1 Hour IMSA GT 1991 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Del_Mar-1991-10-12g.html |date=12 October 1991 |access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> || [[John Fergus (racing driver)|John Fergus]] || [[Dodge Daytona]] || [[1991 IMSA GT Championship|1991 Camel Grand Prix of Greater San Diego]]
|-
| [[IMSA GT classes#American Challenge|AAC]] || '''1:13.829'''<ref name='1991_delmar_imsa_gt' /> || [[Steve Anderson (racing driver)|Steve Anderson]] || [[Pontiac Firebird]] || [[1991 IMSA GT Championship|1991 Camel Grand Prix of Greater San Diego]]
|-
! colspan=5 | Original Grand Prix Circuit: 2.575&nbsp;km (1958–1964)
|-
| [[Group 4 (motorsport)|Group 4]] || '''1:07.200'''<ref>{{cite web |title=SCCA Divisional Del Mar [CM+DM+EM+FM+GM] 1964 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Del_Mar-1964-05-17-22351.html |date=17 May 1964 |access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Frank Monise]] || [[Lotus 23#The 23B|Lotus 23B]] || 1964 [[Sports Car Club of America|S.C.C.A.]] Divisional Del Mar
|-
| [[Group 3 (motorsport)|Group 3]] || '''1:09.500'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Pacific Coast Championship Sports Car Road Races Del Mar |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Del_Mar-1961-12-10.html |date=10 December 1961 |access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> || [[Scooter Patrick]]<br >[[Don Hulette]] || [[Porsche 550|Adam-Mitchell Porsche Special]]<br >[[Jaguar XK120|Jaguar Special]]-[[Chevrolet]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tamsoldracecarsite.net/DonHulette.html|title=Don Hulette|access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.davemacdonald.net/gallery/closeups/corvettespecialcotati.htm|title=Corvette Special Cotati|access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/type/photo/Jaguar/Special.html|title=Jaguar Special - Photo Gallery|access-date=11 May 2022}}</ref> || 1961 Pacific Coast Championship Sports Car Road Races Del Mar  
|-
|}

===Physical attributes===
The [[Race track|track]] has a one-mile oval with chutes for 7/8 and {{frac|1|1|4}}-mile races and a seven-eighths mile oval with a diagonal straightaway chute for 1 1/16 and 1 1/8 mile races on the [[grass|turf]] course.  The turf is a mixture of Common Bermuda and Hybrid Bermuda (GN-1). The track hosts live racing for two seasons each year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and can stable more than two thousand horses.  Del Mar is known for its tan stucco grandstand located in close proximity to the [[Pacific Ocean]].<ref>[http://www.dmtc.com/season/mediaguide/ 2012 Del Mar Media cGuide] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105204314/http://www.dmtc.com/season/mediaguide/ |date=2011-11-05 }}</ref>

In early 2007, Del Mar became the second track in Southern California to install a synthetic surface and the first to install a [[Polytrack]] brand surface <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drf.com/news/del-mar-polytrack-passes-test|title=Del Mar Polytrack passes test - Daily Racing Form|website=www.drf.com|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref> for a price of approximately $9 million. However, in February 2014 Del Mar president Joe Harper announced his intention to return to a dirt surface for the 2015 racing season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drf.com/news/del-mar-plans-install-dirt-track-2015|title=Del Mar plans to install dirt track for 2015|last1=Anderson|first1=Steve|date=February 18, 2014|website=drf.com|publisher=[[Daily Racing Form]]|access-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref> Harper cited a lack of synthetic surfaces in Southern California as the reason for the switch. At the time, both [[Santa Anita Park]] and [[Hollywood Park Racetrack|Hollywood Park]] had both experimented with a synthetic surface but then reverted to dirt.

[[File:DMTC panorama - 1200px.jpg|center|thumb|800px|Panoramic view of the Del Mar Racetrack from the grandstand]]

===TV personalities===
* Ernie Myers
*Jon Lies (2007–present)
*Bob Ike (?–present)
*Mike Willman (?-2006 full-time, 2007–2009 part-time)

==Premium clubs==
'''The Turf Club'''

The Turf Club is the Premium Club of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. It is necessary to be a member, or a guest of a member, to visit the Turf Club. A buttoned up shirt and jacket are required attire for men.

'''The Saddle Club'''

The Saddle Club is the Premium Club of Surfside Race Place.  Anybody may visit for a daily fee.  There is no required dress code.

The two clubs have no relation to one another.  Membership in one does not grant access to the other.

== Satellite wagering ==
{{multiple image |total_width=400
 | header_align = center
 | header = Surfside Race Place
 | align = right
 | perrow = 2
 | image1 = Horse racing delmar.jpg
 | image2 = Surfside Raceplace.jpg
 | footer = The Exterior and interior, showing the satellite wagering facility and sports bar
}}

Surfside Race Place is located on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The off-track betting facility is open during the off-season of the Del Mar Racetrack live meets.

It has been used for handicapping contests<ref>{{cite web |title=Streiff Wins National Handicapping Tour |url=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75477/streiff-wins-national-handicapping-tour |date=January 10, 2013 |website=[[The Blood-Horse|Blood-Horse]] |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tuley |first=Dave |title=National Handicapping Tour leader tries to maintain slim advantage over two rivals |url=http://www.drf.com/news/national-handicapping-tour-leader-tries-maintain-slim-advantage-over-two-rivals |date=December 20, 2010 |newspaper=[[Daily Racing Form]] |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref> as well as handicapping seminars. The 2014 Handicapper of the year Jose Arias qualified and won here. His check at the end was $750,000.<ref>{{cite press release |last=Zweig |first=Linda |title=Surfside Race Place home to 2014 Handicapper of the Year! |url=http://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/index.php?fuseaction=about.press_details&newsid=910 |date=January 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407083658/http://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/index.php?fuseaction=about.press_details&newsid=910 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |website=Del Mar Fairgrounds |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dempsey |first=Michael |title=Surfside Race Place Site for 2.75 Million Handicapping Contest |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1495236-horseplayer-seeks-275-million-payday-in-national-handicapping-championship/ |date=January 21, 2013 |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref>

Patrons of the Surfside Race Place sports bar can view, and bet on, horse races televised via satellite from around the country, such as [[Aqueduct Racetrack|Aqueduct]], [[Arlington Park]], [[Belmont Park]], Calder, Cal Expo Harness, [[Churchill Downs]], Delaware Park, [[Ellis_Park_Race_Course|Ellis Park]], [[Fair Grounds Race Course|Fair Grounds]], [[Golden Gate Fields]], [[Gulfstream Park]], Hastings, Hawthorne, Kentucky Downs, [[Laurel Park (race track)|Laurel Park]], [[Los Alamitos Race Course|Los Alamitos]], [[Meadowlands Racetrack|Meadowlands]], [[Monmouth Park]], [[Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort|Oaklawn Park]], [[Pimlico]], Remington, [[Santa Anita Park]], [[Saratoga Race Course|Saratoga]], [[Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino|Sunland Park]], Turfway Park, Victoria Race Tracks, and [[Woodbine Racetrack|Woodbine]]; high-stakes races such as the [[Dubai World Cup]]; and Grade 1 races such as the [[Kentucky Derby]], [[Preakness Stakes]], and [[Belmont Stakes]] which constitute the [[United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing|Triple Crown]].<ref>[http://www.churchilldowns.com/news/archives/churchill-downs-releases-list-simulcasting-locations-offering-fall-meet-high-definition/ Shown Race Tracks] {{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Surfside Race Place currently offers bingo on Sundays.<ref>{{cite news |title=Del Mar: Charitable bingo games begin at fairgrounds |url=http://www.delmartimes.net/2011/03/29/del-mar-charitable-bingo-games-begin-at-fairgrounds/ |date=2013-04-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130413172806/http://www.delmartimes.net/2011/03/29/del-mar-charitable-bingo-games-begin-at-fairgrounds/ |archive-date=April 13, 2013 |newspaper=Del Mar Times |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref>

== Del Mar Horsepark ==
Del Mar Horsepark is a {{convert|65|acre}} equestrian facility located {{convert|3|mi}} east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The park offers:<ref>{{cite web |title=Horsepark |url=http://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/index.php?fuseaction=facilities.horsepark |website=Del Mar Fairgrounds |access-date=October 16, 2018}}</ref> 
*Two grass jumping stadiums with seating for 1,320 
*Covered and lighted arena 
*Four show rings 
*400 permanent show stalls 
*Dressage ring 
*Four training rings

During the San Diego Fair the Del Mar Horsepark offers free parking for the fairgrounds patrons with free shuttle service to the fairgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jun/06/sandiego-county-fair-del-mar-info/Del |title=Mar Fairgrounds Free Parking at Horsepark |access-date=2013-06-25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628035010/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jun/06/sandiego-county-fair-del-mar-info/Del |archive-date=2013-06-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Del Mar Municipal Airport==
In the 1920s, the [[United States Navy]] built the ''San Dieguito Air Field '' on the wetlands between the [[San Dieguito River]], the Del Mar Racetrack, and the area where [[Interstate 5]] now runs.<ref name="Griffith" /> In 1938, the airfield was turned over to civilian control and became the Del Mar Municipal Airport.<ref name="Griffith" /> It served the patrons at the new Del Mar Fairgrounds. During [[World War II]], the navy took control of the airfield, establishing U.S. Naval Air Facility Del Mar, a base for [[blimp]]s to patrol the West Coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref/USN-Act/CA.html|title=U.S. Naval Activities World War II by State|publisher=Patrick Clancey|access-date=March 19, 2012}}</ref> After the war, the field was decommissioned and returned to the state of [[State of California|California]]. In 1959, the state closed the airport and the land was used for the construction of Interstate 5.<ref name="Griffith">{{cite web |last1=Griffith |first1=John T. |title=Del Mar Racetrack's long lost airport |url=https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2013/jan/23/stringers-del-mar-racetracks-long-lost-airport |website=San Diego Reader |access-date=2013-01-27 |date=2013-01-23}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of convention centers in the United States]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
* Holtzclaw, Kenneth M. ''Del Mar Racetrack'' (2006) [[Arcadia Publishing]] {{ISBN|978-0-7385-3146-5}}
* Del Mar Media Guide

== External links ==
* [http://www.delmarfairgrounds.com/ Del Mar Fairgrounds]
* [http://www.sdfair.com/ San Diego Fair]
* [http://www.dmtc.com/ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club]
* [http://surfsideraceplace.com/ Surfside Raceplace]
* [http://www.delmargolfcenter.com/ Del Mar Golf Center]
* [http://www.calendarshows.com/ Del Mar Antique Show]
* [http://www.delmarracing.com Del Mar Thoroughbred Club]
* [http://www.delmardiamondclub.com/ Del Mar Diamond Club]

{{Coord|32|58|34|N|117|15|43|W|type:landmark|display=title}}
{{IMSA GT circuits}}
{{AAA tracks}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Fairgrounds in California]]
[[Category:Del Mar, California]]
[[Category:Sports venues in San Diego County, California]]
[[Category:Convention centers in California]]
[[Category:Indoor arenas in California]]
[[Category:Indoor soccer venues in California]]
[[Category:IMSA GT Championship circuits]]
[[Category:Del Mar Racetrack]]
[[Category:Horse racing venues in California]]
[[Category:1937 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1937]]
[[Category:San Diego Sockers (2009)]]