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.
Sometimes Del Mar can get right up to the line of kitschy, as in today's flamboyant Opening Day Hat Contest. It's an admirable attempt to provide a Southern mint juleps feel, with beautiful women in sundresses and tanned men in Hawaiian shirts, but the feathers and boas can get a bit much. It's still infinitely preferable to the alternative, which is the feeling that you're surrounded by strung-out gamblers betting their kids' college funds on ponies.
Admission is $6 for the stretch run and $10 for the clubhouse. If you think that this is absurdly affordable for an afternoon of Del Mar entertainment and that they're just trying to lure you in so you can lose your money gambling - yes. But that doesn't make it less entertaining.
Related Stories:
· Del Mar Race Track
· Los Angeles Travel Coverage [Jaunted]
· Horse Racing Coverage [Jaunted]
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