Del Mar Unveils Exciting Fall Racing Season Featuring Premier Stakes
Del Mar Racetrack is set to host its 13th annual Bing Crosby Season, featuring a captivating schedule of races and a substantial $2.1 million in prize money for various stakes. This autumn event, commencing on Friday, November 6th, and concluding on Sunday, November 29th, promises thrilling competition, with a notable focus on turf events.
Del Mar's Autumn Racing Extravaganza Details
The upcoming Del Mar Bing Crosby Season, spanning most of November, will showcase an impressive lineup of horse racing, culminating in two Grade 1 events. The Hollywood Derby, a $300,000 contest for three-year-olds over 1 1/8 miles on turf, is slated for Saturday, November 28th. The following day, Sunday, November 29th, will feature the Matriarch Stakes, also valued at $300,000, for fillies and mares competing at one mile on the grass.
The racing calendar will primarily run from Friday through Sunday each week, with a special program scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th. This holiday event will comprise eight races, commencing at 2 p.m. EDT and concluding by approximately 5 p.m.
A significant highlight of this season is the emphasis on grass racing, with nine of the fifteen scheduled stakes taking place on Del Mar’s renowned turf course. David Jerkens, Del Mar’s senior vice president for racing and racing secretary, expressed confidence in the track’s grass facilities, stating, “We’ve got one of the best turf courses in the country, and we put a real emphasis on it for our fall meet. Our lineup is the best in America during that period.”
Opening weekend will feature two races exclusively for California-bred horses: The Chosen Vron Stakes for three-year-olds and older on Saturday, November 7th, and the Betty Grable Stakes for fillies and mares on Sunday, November 8th. Both races cover seven furlongs and carry a purse of $100,000.
Additional notable races include the $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) on Friday, November 27th, for three-year-olds and up over 1 1/2 miles on turf, and the $200,000 Seabiscuit Handicap (G2) on Saturday, November 28th, for three-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on the grass. The Thanksgiving Day card will be headlined by the $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes for fillies and mares, contested over 1 3/8 miles on the turf.
In a nod to the track's origins and its founder, Bing Crosby, many stakes races will carry a Hollywood theme, named after luminaries such as Betty Grable, Desi Arnaz, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, and Cecil B. DeMille, honoring their legacy in Del Mar's glamorous early days. Daily post times will be 3:30 p.m., with Friday cards typically featuring eight races, while weekend programs will offer nine.
Reflections on Del Mar's Vision for Turf Racing
Del Mar's strategic decision to heavily feature turf races during its fall meet highlights a clear commitment to leveraging its exceptional grass course. This emphasis not only caters to a specific segment of the racing community but also elevates the quality and prestige of the overall event. By attracting top-tier turf contenders, Del Mar reinforces its position as a premier racing destination. The blend of high-stakes competition and a nostalgic Hollywood theme creates a unique and engaging experience for both seasoned racing enthusiasts and newcomers, promising an unforgettable autumn racing season.