Del Mar’s lucky number is 70 this year, as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) launches its platinum racing season Wednesday, July 22. From horses to hats to Hollywood stars, the countdown to San Diego’s septuagenarian summer event is on. In a world where fads are lucky to get even five minutes of fame, Del Mar is still going strong seven decades later. “We have sought to perpetuate the romance, the glamour, and keep it alive, and we’ve done a good job at it,” said Dan Smith, senior media coordinator for the DMTC, who has been promoting Del Mar racing since 1964, when he started in the publicity department. “Del Mar used to be the poor stepsister of Santa Ana and Hollywood Park (racetracks). It didn’t compare. All that has changed. Now Del Mar has been the number one track in the country.” Smith credits this to several things, including the formation of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the private entity that runs the races, in 1970. The creation of this new lease with the state called for money generated to be invested back into infrastructure and as a result dramatically improved the facilities. A major renovation was also completed in 1992. Smith also said that Del Mar’s appeal has grown as San Diego itself has evolved into a more attractive tourist destination, especially for families and those looking for an easy getaway from Los Angeles. And, of course, since the early days, when Bing Crosby welcomed guests on opening day, Del Mar has always had star appeal and been a place where adoring fans may, just may, get an autograph from their favorite movie stars. In honor of the 70th anniversary, a 30-foot-long, 6-foot-tall mural by Pierre “PEB” Bellocq, commemorating the people and horses of Del Mar’s history, has been permanently installed in the Turf Club entranceway. The living members featured in the mural have been invited to a dedication ceremony on Saturday, July 25. A 70th-anniversary commemorative T-shirt giveaway will happen on Saturday, Aug. 8. The Del Mar race track has a long, rich history. Opened in 1937, the second racing season, 1938, saw the famous Seabiscuit-Ligaroti match. When a solid road and railway system made travel from Los Angeles easier, Del Mar became a playground to the stars. The track was closed during World War II, when it served as, among other things, a Marine training ground. In 1991, the first Pacific Classic Race — Del Mar’s most expensive and prestigious race, with a $1 million purse — was held. In 2007, the track surface was replaced with synthetic Polytrack. This will be the third season since Del Mar installed the Polytrack, composed of silica sand, fibers, recycled rubber and wax. Though it got off to a slow start, literally, making race times longer, Polytrack is now getting rave reviews. According to DMTC spokesman Mac McBride, catastrophic injuries to horses have been reduced by half and no riders have been injured since installing Polytrack. This is despite a significant increase in the number of horses racing and training on the surface every year. Though initially Polytrack drew complaints for its slower race times, it was soon discovered that keeping it moist made it more consistent and easier to race on. According to McBride, last year’s race times on Polytrack were faster than in 2006, the last year with natural turf. “Polytrack is good for the horses and riders. Amen. What else do we need to say?” McBride wrote in an e-mail. Looking to the future of Del Mar, this year will bring significant changes as well, many precipitated by the current financial crisis gripping the nation. One major adjustment will be the reduction from a six- to a five-day race week, running Wednesdays through Sundays. “It will be wonderful for the patrons, jockeys and employees to get an extra day to rest,” said Craig Dado, DMTC vice president of marketing. “(The shorter week) will lead to better racing and increased attendance.” Dado also said that in recognizing patrons may not have as much money to throw around these days, the DMTC has launched several new promotions. With “Free and Easy Wednesdays,” patrons receive free stretch-run admission, a reserved seat, a program and half-price domestic beer, soda and hot dogs, valid every Wednesday except opening day.?The club also offers a free Diamond Club membership, good for discounts on admission as well as free admission for seniors (aged 62 and older) on Thursdays. Thursdays also feature a “Pizza ’n’ Ponies” promotion in conjunction with Oggi’s Pizza, which includes stretch-run admission, reserved seat, program, a personal pizza and a soft drink for $11 with coupon from Oggi’s. A wildly popular event returning this year is the Del Mar Concert Series, free shows that are included with track admission. The 2009 summer concert series includes: Friday, July 24 – G. Love & Special Sauce • Friday, July 31 – The Wailers • Friday, Aug. 7 – The Airborne Toxic Event • Friday, Aug. 14 – Common Sense • Saturday, Aug. 15 – Flaming Lips (infield show) • Friday, Aug. 21 – Pinback • Saturday, Aug. 22 – Steel Pulse (infield show) • Friday, Aug. 28 – Super Diamond • Sunday, Sept. 6 – Reggae Festival • Wednesday, Sept. 9 – Closing Day Party in the Paddock The Del Mar racing season runs July 22 to Sept. 9, dark on Mondays and Tuesdays except for Labor Day. First post is daily at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. on Fridays and 1 p.m. on Pacific Classic Day Sunday, Sept. 6. The track is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. For more information and a complete listing of events and admission costs, visit www.dmtc.com.