What Are the Main Races at Del Mar Racetrack?
There are lots of Grade 1 encounters that are a staple at Del Mar Racecourse, with the Bing Crosby Stakes having been inaugurated shortly after the Second World War in 1946, with this being a six-furlong encounter on a dirt track. Dr. Schivel, Collusion Illusion and Cistron are among some of the recent winners, with Ransom the Moon having achieved a double.
The Clement L. Hirsch Stakes also takes place at Del Mar and this is an even older race, with the Del Mar Debutante Stakes being an intriguing encounter that showcases some of the best two-year-old fillies on the block. There is another two-year-old clash in the form of the Del Mar Futurity which is run over seven furlongs and this was won by Pinehurst in 2021.
The Del Mar Oaks takes place in mid-August, with this being regarded as a classic that is native to this track, with three-year-old fillies lining up for a big purse. This is run over a distance of nine furlongs and this can be a thrilling encounter on a left-handed track which was inaugurated in 1957.
The other high-profile race was also the Pacific Classic Stakes which was inaugurated in 1991. This is probably the biggest encounter that takes place at Del Mar Racecourse and the winner gets automatic entry into the Breeders’ Cup Classic, so it’s one which attracts plenty of runners.
The History of Del Mar Racecourse
When Santa Anita Park racetrack was launched in the 1930’s, there was an idea borne that a similar type of things could be set up on Del Mar Fairgrounds. Incredibly, singer Bing Crosby was involved in the creation of this racetrack and that explains why one of the Grade 1 races is named after this crooner.
Not only is Del Mar famous for its racetrack, the Fairgrounds also appeals to the rich and famous. During the 1950’s this was a location regarded as a Saratoga of the West by racegoers, although the track is much changed now and a lot of the redevelopment took place in the 1990’s.
That renovation led to the Pacific Classic Stakes being first held in 1991 which was the first Classic run at this course and Best Pal was the winner of this $1,000,000 race.