Many horse racing fans are now shifting their focus to the Del Mar Racetrack as it hosts various racing events during the Del Mar Racing Season. If you’re looking for a horse racing event that will satisfy your need for an adrenaline rush, you might want to check out Del Mar Races. 

But before you do, you must first familiarize yourself with this event. This way, you will know what and what not to do to make your experience worthwhile. 

Del Mar Horse Racing Season Start And End

There are two seasons of the Del Mar racing event. The first season is underway this summer, started last July 21, 2023, and will end on September 10, 2023. The second season of the Del Mar Racing will be this fall/winter and will start on November 10, 2023 to December 3, 2023. 

You have two chances to experience Del Mar races each year. It’s not too late to experience the first season, as you still have until September to watch the horse racing events. Therefore, don’t waste your time. Start choosing your top del mar race picks and be on your way to Del Mar, California. 

Where to Dine And Drink During The Del Mar Racing Season

Once you get to Del Mar, California, don’t miss the opportunity to experience exquisite dining and fun drinks before or after enjoying a thrilling race. The most recommended places for you to try and experience the food and drinks of Del Mar are the following: 

• Viewpoint Brewing
• Tamarindo
• Zel’s Del Mar
• Frustrated Cowboy

What To Wear At Del Mar Races

Like any other horse racing event, knowing what to wear to Del Mar races must be part of your to-do list. For the gents, it’s highly recommended by the Del Mar Turf Club to wear a suit or sport jacket at all times during your stay at the racetrack. 

You can wear a sport shirt and tailored denim under your suit or sport jacket. Ties can be worn, but not necessarily. For ladies, on the other hand, the Turf Club requires you to wear a suit or a daytime dress. 

However, ladies can also wear tailored denim and slacks as long as it is worn with tailored jackets. The Del Mar Turf Club is very strict when it comes to dress code and is asking everyone who wants to visit the racetrack to avoid wearing the following:

• T-shirt
• Athletic wear
• Torn or oversized denim
• Shorts
• Flip flops
• Abbreviated and ripped clothing
• Wind-breakers

Knowing what can be worn inside the racetrack will help you pack for your trip. Ensure that the items of clothing you bring are appropriate according to the club’s dress code.

Things You Can Bring To Del Mar Races

Aside from the dress code, Del Mar Racetrack also implements strict guidelines on what guests can bring on the racetrack. As per the Del Mar Horse Racing Rules and Regulations, the following are items you bring to the racetrack: 

• Food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on the racetrack except in sky rooms, suites, and trackside restaurants.
• Small and handy coolers that can be stored under the grandstand seats.
• Larger coolers are only allowed on the infield and apron areas of the racetrack.
• Folding chairs are only allowed in the infield and apron areas but not in Plaza de Mexico or Clubhouse.

Meanwhile, below are the list of items that you mustn’t bring to the Del Mar Racetrack.

• Pets
• Umbrellas
• Drones
• Alcoholic beverages
• Balls
• Balloons
• Controlled subtances
• Frisbees and hula hoops
• Laser pointers
• Glass containers
• Sharp objects
• Tents and awnings
• Weapons
• Any noise-making devices
• Poles and tripods
• Scooters and skateboards
• Signs

To guests who won’t follow the rules and regulations, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has the right to refuse admission or enforce ejection. Therefore, it’s best to stay safe to ensure you’ll have an amazing Del Mar Racing experience.

2023 Del Mar Racing Schedule

The Del Mar Racetrack hosts numerous racing events during the racing season. That’s why you won’t run out of events to attend to. Below is the list of events that are happening on the Del Mar Racetrack for the two racing seasons this year:

First Racing Season (Summer)

• July 21: Opening Day. Featured ten Del Mar races, Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes, The Grand, The Party, Hats Contest, Official After Pony Party.
• July 22: Featured eleven races, San Clemente Stakes (G2), Osunitas Stakes, Beer Festival, Daybreak at Del Mar, and Weekend Handicapping Seminar.
• July 23: Featured eleven races, Cougar II Stakes (G3), Wickerr Stakes, Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar, and Jockey Karaoke.
• July 27: Featured eight races, Fleet Treat Stakes, and Industry Day.
• July 28: Featured eight races, Daisycutter Handicap, Turf Club Fridays.
• July 29: Featured eleven Races, Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), San Diego Handicap (G2), Handicapping Challenge, Daybreak at Del Mar, Weekend Handicapping Seminars.
• July 30: Featured eleven races, Eddie Read Stakes (G2), Handicapping Challenge, Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar

• August 3: Featured eight races
• August 4: Featured eight races, Real Good Deal Stakes, Turf Club Fridays
• August 5: Featured eleven races, Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1), California Dreamin’ Stakes, Daybreak at Del Mar, and Weekend Handicapping Seminar.
• August 6: Featured eleven races, La Jolla Handicap (G3), CTBA Stakes, Donut Day, Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• August 10: Features eight races
• August 11: Features eight races, Graduation Stakes, Turf Club Fridays
• August 12: Features ten races, Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2), Sorrento Stakes (G3), Turf &Surf BBQ, Daybreak at Del Mar, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• August 13: Features ten races, Best Pal Stakes (G3), Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar, Charity Challenge
• August 17: Features eight races
• August 18: Features eight races, CTT & TOC Stakes, Turf Club Fridays
• August 19: Features ten races, Del Mar Oaks (G1), Uncorked Wine Festival, Daybreak at Del Mar, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• August 20: Features ten races, Solana Beach Stakes, Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• August 24: Features eight races
• August 25: Features eight races, Turf Club Fridays
• August 26: Featured ten races, Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2), Tacos & Tequila Festival, Daybreak at Del Mar, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• August 27: Features nine races, Rancho Bernardo Handicap (G3), Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• August 31: Featured eight races

• September 1: Features nine races, Turf Club Fridays
• September 2: Features eleven races, Fanduel Racing Pacific Classic (G1), Del Mar Handicap (G2), Del Mar Mile (G2), Green Flash Handicap (G3), Torrey Pines Stakes (G3), Pacific Classic, Flightline Cap Giveaway, Daybreak at Del Mar, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• September 3: Features eleven races, Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby (G2), Shared Belief Stakes, Family Fun Day, Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• September 4: Features ten races, Generous Portion Stakes, Tranquility Lake Stakes
• September 8: Features eight races, I’m Smokin Stakes, and Turf Club Fridays.
• September 9: Features eleven races, Fanduel Racing Del Mar Debutante (G1), John C. Mabee Stakes (G2), Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf, Daybreak at Del Mar, Weekend Handicapping Seminar
• September 10: Closing Day Features eleven races, Runhappy Del Mar Futurity (G1), Del Mar Juvenile Turf (G3), Daybreak at Del Mar, Best Bet, Weekend Handicapping Seminar, Red Cross Blood Drive

For the second season of Del Mar Racing in the coming Fall/winter, you can refer to the Del Mar Racetrack calendar of upcoming events.

Final Thoughts

Del Mar Racetrack offers you various races and fun activities in between. You’ll undoubtedly have the best time of your life as long as you know what to expect and follow the racetrack rules. Therefore, remember all the things you learned today about Del Mar races before you visit the racetrack.