Del Mar Announces 2024 Summer Racing Season

On the heels of a triumphant year of racing in 2023, the esteemed and industry-leading Del Mar Thoroughbred Club looks forward to its 85th summer racing season at the iconic seaside oval.

Experience One of San Diego’s Most Beloved Traditions

The highly anticipated 2024 summer racing season will feature among the nation’s highest prize money for horse owners, trainers, and jockeys and the most robust lineup of trackside events in recent years.

Del Mar’s famed Opening Day, presented by Caesars Sportsbook—one of San Diego’s most beloved summertime traditions—will take place on Saturday, July 20, kicking off a weekend of festivities in true Southern California fashion.

This year marks a historic shift as Opening Day will be held on a Saturday for the first time since the 1950s.

The scheduling adjustment, due to the San Diego County Fair running through July 7, affords Del Mar the necessary time to implement its industry-leading equine safety protocols.

Embracing the spirit of tradition, expect the fanfare and excitement of Opening Day to carry through the entire Opening Weekend of racing at Del Mar.

Enjoy a range of events, from the Opening Day Hats Contest and Opening Day Party to Del Mar Beer Fest on Sunday, July 21—all alongside a weekend full of exhilarating racing and wagering.

What to Expect at the 2024 Del Mar Racetrack Summer Season

Alongside world-class racing, you can look forward to an exhilarating lineup of trackside events with excitement taking place nearly every weekend. From showcases of San Diego’s best food and beverages to live music and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Trackside Events

• July 21: Del Mar Beer Fest—Keep the Opening Weekend festivities going with samples of a variety of brews, ciders, and seltzers.
• August 3: Uncorked Del Mar Wine Fest—Enjoy samples of 150 wines from around the world and gourmet food from local San Diego vendors.
• August 10: Tacos & Tequila—Presented by Espolòn Tequila, this event will offer samples of tequila, margaritas, and cervezas paired with tacos from San Diego’s top vendors.
• August 17: Breeders’ Cup Tumbler Giveaway—In anticipation of the 2024 and 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar, you’ll receive a free 2024 Breeders’ Cup branded tumbler collectible item with paid admission.
• August 24: Taste of New Orleans—The South meets the West in an epic celebration of New Orleans culture with Big Easy-inspired food, music, and more, presented by Bacardi.
• September 1: Family Fun Day—Families can enjoy free trackside attractions like face painting and kid-friendly games.
• September 7: College Day—Students can present their valid student ID for free track admission and exclusive access to grandstand seating.

Weekly Attractions

• Diamond Club Free & Easy Thursdays: Diamond Club members can enjoy free admission, seat,s and food and beverage specials.
• Turf Club Fridays: Purchase tickets for a high-end happy hour in the exclusive (normally members-only!) Turf Club.
• Happy Hour Fridays: Enjoy half-off Del Mar’s signature drinks.
• Taste of the Turf Club (Sundays): Another opportunity for non-Turf Club members to experience this exclusive area. Feast on a locally inspired brunch menu while indulging in bottomless beverages and soaking in one of the best views of the track.

In addition to Opening Day and trackside events, Del Mar’s most anticipated race of the season, the FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, will run on Saturday, August 31.

This year’s Pacific Classic race brings even more excitement—as a Breeders’ Cup Classic win-and-you’re-in race, the winner can return to Del Mar this fall to compete in the World Championships of horse racing.

The highly-anticipated return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Del Mar on November 1 and 2, 2024, marks Del Mar’s third time hosting the prestigious “Super Bowl” of horse racing, followed by a consecutive hosting in 2025 for an exciting back-to-back experience.

The Breeders’ Cup will bring the world’s best Thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers, as well as thousands of fans from across the globe, to San Diego! Tickets for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships go on sale on April 22.

See you there!

Tickets for the summer racing season go on sale Friday, May 10 at 10 AM and can be purchased here.

As in recent years, Del Mar will be limiting General Admission for a more intimate and elevated Opening Day experience, and tickets are anticipated to sell out!

See you there, San Diego!