The Races End, the Party Begins: After Pony Party Returns to Rancho Valencia

Opening Day at Del Mar is one of San Diego’s great summer traditions – the hats, the energy, the whole scene. And if you want to keep that feeling going long after the last race, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa has the official after-party locked in.

The Setting

Rancho Valencia’s lush gardens and olive groves make for a pretty remarkable backdrop for an evening party. This isn’t a hotel ballroom situation – it’s an open-air setting that feels like a world of its own, tucked away in Rancho Santa Fe and a genuine step up from wherever the night might otherwise take you.

A Full Evening, Top to Bottom

From the moment you arrive, things are dialed in. There’s a welcome cocktail to kick things off, followed by an endless five-star buffet served throughout the evening. DJ Murphi Kennedy – who regularly plays some of the top clubs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas – handles the music all night.

For those looking to elevate further, limited VIP cabanas with bottle service are available. And when the night wraps up, a fleet of private cars is on hand to get everyone home safely, subject to ride fare.

General admission starts at $345 and gets you in through midnight.

Opening Day’s Official Afterparty

The After Pony Party holds the title of Official After Party of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, which means this is where the raceday crowd naturally lands when the gates close. It’s a mix of people who spent the day trackside and those who just want a great Friday night out – and somehow it works perfectly for both.

See you there!

If you’re making a day of Opening Day at Del Mar, the After Pony Party is the natural – and seriously fun – way to finish it off right.

📆 Friday, July 17 | 6 PM – 10 PM
🎟️ Grab your tickets now
ℹ️ Find more details here

See you there, San Diego!