The hottest new thing at the track this year is the track itself.
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club kicks off its 2007 racing season Wednesday, July 18. And when the horses leave the gates on opening day, it will be groundbreaking ” literally ” as they run on a brand-new synthetic Polytrack surface.
“(The track) is the main thing we’re so excited about,” said Craig Dado, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s vice president of marketing. “Everyone that works here loves horses. This is a revolutionary new synthetic track.”
The $8 million track, built of silica sand, fibers, recycled rubber and wax, is expected to significantly reduce the number of injuries and subsequent euthanizing of horses throughout the season.
Though the track is new, a lot of old favorites will return in this 70th anniversary year. A host of events are scheduled to take place every day for the entire family.
“From our music-related events to family days to big racing days, microbrew festivals and giveaways, we really are full-spectrum here,” said Dado.
Returning this year will be the track’s 4 O’clock Fridays concert series. Geared toward a younger generation of track patrons, musical acts include Unwritten Law (July 20), Satellite Party with Perry Farrell (July 27), Violent Femmes (Aug. 3), Pinback (Aug. 10), Cake (Aug. 17), Pete Yorn (Aug. 24) and Angels & Airways (Aug. 31).
Saturday infield concerts include The Cult (Aug. 4), Ziggy Marley (Aug. 25), and Super Diamond (Sept. 5).
As always, Del Mar opens with its “One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest,” where contestants with the most glamorous or outrageous hats vie for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
Other highlights include Family Fun Day with Sponge Bob Squarepants (July 22), A Microbrew Festival (July 28), Beach Volleyball Tournament (July 28), Reggae Festival with Ziggy Marley (Aug. 25) and Chili Cookoff (Aug. 11).
For those new to racing, a newcomers seminar that teaches how to read a program, place a bet, money management and racing tips, is held daily except July 18 one hour before first post in the Plaza de Mexico.
Donuts Days are on Saturday, July 28, and Saturday, Aug. 25, 8 to 10 a.m., when fans are invited to watch the horses work out and ask questions to famous jockeys and trainers.
Weekends are also Daybreak at Del Mar, an early-morning buffet breakfast in the trackside Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant.
The event gives fans the opportunity to watch the horses go through their morning workouts.
Racing season runs from July 18 to Sept. 5. First post is at 2 p.m. except for 4 O’clock Fridays, when it will be at 4 p.m. through Aug. 10 and 3:30 p.m. Aug. 17 to 31.
First post for Pacific Classic Day, the $1 million race, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 19, is at 1 p.m.
Tuesdays are dark at the track. Admission varies according to the type of ticket purchased. Package deals and discount tickets are available.
The track is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. For more information and listing of events, visit www.dmtc.com.