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Crazy Hat Season Continues for Del Mar Racetrack's Upcoming Opening Day

When you see ladies in gargantuan hats invade the swanky SoCal beachside town of Del Mar, it means one thing: The Del Mar Racetrack is open for the season. Get ready for an eyeful of head gear that would make even Princess Beatrice's infamous fugly fascinator look tame because racing action starts July 20.

Last year, more than 660,000 people came out for a day at the races. The lovely seaside track becomes the social event of the summer in those parts and tourists flood the area—sometimes for the entire season—just to hang out there.

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See Horses, Crazy Hats and Cougars at SoCal's Del Mar Racetrack

Despite being home to the famed Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs isn't the only racetrack around. The Del Mar Racetrack does it up SoCal style, with a picturesque spot along the coast of Del Mar and fitting activities like a Miss Cougar contest. But that's not to say this track doesn't have serious race roots; Seabiscuit ran here in 1938.

Del Mark kicks off its 71st season on July 21. More than 40,000 are expected to attend opening-day festivities with thoroughbreds racing, an over-the-top crazy hat competition and, of course, to see and be seen.

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Opening Today At The Del Mar Race Track: Thoroughbred Races, Big Hats

It's that time of year again, when the Del Mar Race Track opens for the season. The gorgeous race track, built along the even more gorgeous Del Mar coast, is open starting this afternoon through September 9th.

In contrast to some other Southern California tracks we could name *cough* Santa Anita *cough*, Del Mar has a reputation for cultivated classiness. There is an entire site specifically set aside for Scenester Events, with categories like "Lifestyle," "Fashion," and "Wine & Dine." They also emphasize that the race track is a frequent destination for local celebrities.

The track is also very careful to sell itself as a family destination. The first Sunday of this season is a "Family Fun Day" that includes a plush toy giveaway. The subsequent Saturday has a demure microbrew festival and a chili cookoff.

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Back of the Envelope Travel Guide: The Del Mar Scene

When you think of horse racing you immediately think of the big guys like the Kentucky Derby or the Belmont. Or maybe you just picture grumpy old guys bickering over horses and swapping stories.

But at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, outside of San Diego, there's so much going on that they call it the Del Mar Scene.

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