Hats, horses and a new Polytrack were all the buzz for the first day of the 2007 Del Mar racing season. This was the largest opening day with 43,000 racegoers, and the second highest all-time record. The all-time record was the 1996 Pacific Classic, when the horse Dare And Go upset the great Cigar.
The much-anticipated Polytrack was unveiled for the public to view. This track, which is safer for riders and horses than the traditional dirt track, cost around $9 million.
Opening day is San Diego’s largest fashion event of the year. Attending fashionistas chose Pucci prints, polka dots, and the most stylish of the season, black and white to complement their hats.
The crowd sported a plethora of hats in all shapes and sizes. Some of the best hats seen in the Turf Club were Valerie Cooper in a lovely Nigel Rayment hat, Rose Limaneri in a classy Louise Green and Kari Bloom looking sophisticated in a GreGory Wendell. Darah Grimm wore a Dolce & Gabbana dress and sported a glamorous black and white ostrich chapeau by Designer Millinery, Aileen Knudson and Mary Ellen Kee were decked out in stylish black and white, Dianne Bashor looked stunning in a Philip Treacy, Denise Hug was exquisite in Patricia Underwood, Sandra Schafer was chic in Louise Green, Emma Zuckerman looked smashing in Philip Treacy, Sook Hansen was delightful in a French-designed chapeau, Sandra Maas looked fashionable in a Designer Millinery creation, and Wanda Kaufman wore a luscious transparent hat.
I love monochromatic ensembles, and Sally Thornton looked terrific in yummy tangerine. Phyllis Parrish wore a sophisticated chapeau by designer GreGory Windell, who accompanied her along with her husband John. Carol Karlovich was dressed in a beautiful Escada suit of pastel colors and matching hat. Mary G. Walker was exquisite in an Armani suit topped off with an elegant hat by Designer Millinery.
The One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest was one of the highlights of the day. First place in the Most Glamorous category went to Gina Adams of Laguna Hills, a first-time contest entrant. Lake Forest resident Denna Holman won first place in the Funniest-Most Outrageous category with a hat she called Enchanted Horse.
First place in the Best Flowers/All Others category went to Ana Royer of Escondido with a beautiful fuchsia creation. Second place in the Best Racing Theme category went to Andy Hoffman of Las Vegas.
La Jollan Phyllis Parrish took second place in the Most Glamorous category. Second place in the Funniest/Most Outrageous was Fay Meitz of Valley Center with an “I Love Lucy” themed hat. Haven Schnider of Laguna won second place in Best Flowers/All Others Category. Lori Shelton of San Diego won first place in the Best Racing Theme category with a huge horseshoe of red roses, topped with a multicolored feather base. Lori also was the overall prizewinner of the One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest presented by Virgin Vines Wines. This Bing Crosby grand prize was two round-trip tickets to London aboard Virgin Airlines.
The 43-day meet continues until Sept. 5. For information, call (858) 755-1141.
