Del Mar Racetrack is a landmark Thoroughbred horse racing venue located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the seaside city of Del Mar, California, roughly 20 miles north of San Diego along the Pacific Ocean. It opened on July 3, 1937, founded by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club under the leadership of entertainer Bing Crosby—who greeted the first fans at the gate—along with a group of Hollywood stars and businessmen including Pat O’Brien, Gary Cooper, and Charles S. Howard. Built on a scenic 370-acre coastal property, the track quickly became famous for its slogan “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” perfectly capturing its unique blend of world-class racing and beachside atmosphere.
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The one-mile oval track features both a dirt main course and a 7/8-mile turf course, with a spectator capacity of approximately 44,000, making it the second-largest horse racing facility in the western United States. It hosts a popular summer racing meet from mid-July through early September, highlighted by prestigious Grade I stakes such as the Pacific Classic, Del Mar Futurity, and Del Mar Oaks, along with a shorter fall meet in November. Among its most celebrated moments is the legendary 1938 Seabiscuit vs. Ligaroti match race, which drew 20,000 fans and national radio attention, cementing Del Mar’s place in American racing history. Today it remains a vibrant destination known for top-tier competition, festive crowds, and its unmistakable coastal charm.