by Frank Sabatini Jr.

With a new $9 million resurfacing, the “mile oval” at Del Mar Racetrack opens its gates to bettors and jockeys on July 16 for a 43-day thoroughbred race season that ends on September 3.

Since 1937 the venue has attracted everyone from Hollywood glitterati to local racing enthusiasts bent on winning. It’s also a time when summer fashions are flaunted amid a convivial atmosphere that lends itself to trackside dining and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the horses as they tune up for their races. Nearby shops located in the Del Mar Plaza and Cedros Design District provide myriad possibilities for purchasing those last-minute sundresses, polo shirts and head-turning hats. Think faded pastels, floral prints and tailored leisure suits if you’re a member or guest of the Turf Club, where a dress code is duly enforced, especially on opening day. A plethora of mid-summer couture can be found at Tucci Boutique for women’s clothing or Ryan’s Collection for men’s and women’s outfits, both in Cedros, and the Banana Republic in Del Mar Plaza for outdoor casual wear constructed in decidedly cool fabrics.

Offsite dining options abound, ranging from fun and colorful meals at Pacific Coast Grill and succulent surf-n-turf at The Brigantine to exquisite California cuisine at Sbicca Bistro and Blanca.

Tips and Info

• Races run daily except on Tuesdays. Start time is 2 p.m. (except on Fridays, when the races begin at 4 p.m.) The last three Fridays switch to 3:30 p.m. start times.
• General admission is $6. Children 17 years and younger are admitted free, but must be accompanied by an adult.
• When placing bets, provide the tellers with your information in this order: the track name you want to wager on; the race number; how much you are wagering; what type of bet; and the horse’s number you are betting on.
• Daybreak at Del Mar is held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., every Saturday and Sunday. It’s free, with an optional buffet for $10.95. Owners and trainers answer questions about the horses as they prepare for the races.
• British Bus Company provides free shuttles to the racetrack entrance for patrons arriving on Amtrak at the Solana Beach Station.
• Visitors are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to the venue, although glass containers are not permitted.

Del Mar Racetrack • 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar • 858-755-1141; (information line 858-793-5533)
Banana Republic • 1555 Camino Del Mar • 858-350-0847
Blanca • Beach Walk Plaza • 437 South Coast Highway • 858-792-0072
Pacific Coast Grill • Beach Walk Plaza • 437 South Coast Highway • 858-794-4632
Ryan’s Collection • 1431 Camino Del Mar • 858-792-7400
Sbicca • 215 15th Street • 858-481-1001
The Brigantine • 3263 Camino Del Mar • 858-481-1166
Tucci Boutique • 130 S. Cedros #140 • 858-259-8589