By Eva Trieger
DEL MAR, California — If excitement had a color, the atmosphere of Del Mar Race Track would have been bright yellow Friday as the 82nd race season opened. The parking lot attendants greeted attendees with huge welcoming smiles and “Good luck!” despite having to stand in the steamy un-San Diego-like heat. Employees embraced and whooped hellos to each other in the stairwells and on the terraces. The vendors were downright chatty as they charged patrons the requisite $13.50 for a six-ounce pour of wine or draught of beer. Everyone’s delight at returning to in-person horseracing was palpable.
The gates opened at noon, and while the first hour seemed more of a trickling in, by 1:30, the place was thrumming. Health safety conditions permit 100% of seating capacity at present. Men and women were gussied up in colorful eye-catching outfits. The women wore tight-fitting dresses with lots of bared cleavage. Maxi dresses seemed to be the rule. Young men sported loud plaid jackets and pastel slacks. And everybody wore a hat. Men were styling with fedoras, bowlers, and stetsons while women, like preening peacocks, paraded in hats of every size, fashion, material, and color. In case anyone had left his or her hat at home, chapeaux were available for purchase at a booth adjacent to the entrance of the Grandstand. The Grand Prize winner was local Rebecca Smith of Encinitas. Of the 100 plus contestants, Smith walked away with tickets to the Breeders’ Cup, cash, and a gift basket from Studio Savvy Salon. Other categories drew prizes for Most Glamorous, Best Fascinator, Best Flowers, and Best Race-themed.
The first post time neared, and as I approached the window to place my bet. I’m pretty sure I caught sight of Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson at the next window over. The eight horses in the initial race did not appear to garner a lot of wagers from what I could see, but then again, I was busy looking over the contestants and scouring my racing form.
Lest you think I was choosing my winner willy-nilly, I assure you, I have a system! First and foremost, I look for a creative or humorous name. Also, anything with the name “cat” in its moniker is sure to come in first. Secondly, I look for a jockey whose name I recognize from previous wins. Finally, I carefully observe the color of the horses’ stockings. That’s my recipe for success. Armed with this very scientific formula I confidently plunked my $2 down on Studly Perfection to place.
With the iconic Trevor Stedman back in the saddle after a COVID-inspired absence, racegoers will be treated to the South African accented race commentator, best known for “describing the race lyrically” as if painting mental pictures for the crowd. For the 31-day summer race season, fans will thrill to “and they’re off!”
The exuberance of the crowd escalated as my horse remained in the lead, right up until the last 10 seconds, that is. Sadly, Studly Perfection did not win, place or show. Leprino, the Number 6 horse took the race. That was my second choice. I coulda been a contender!
The Del Mar Race season is off to a stunning start. I’d forgotten the pleasant sensation of sitting in the grandstands, enjoying an ocean view, a marine breeze, and cheering with throngs of jauntily-clad gamblers.
Upon leaving a security guard stopped me. “Didja win?” “Nope,” sez I. But I had a ball!
It’s wonderful to experience the kick-off of another Del Mar Race season, replete with all of the pomp, circumstance, and silliness that attends this summer happening. While we “natives” gripe about the increased traffic and visitors, I was reminded of the ephemeral reckless abandon that accompanies placing that $2 bet and waiting for fate to decide the outcome. It’s heady stuff, indeed.
Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club at https://www.dmtc.com/tickets or by phone or email at (858) 792-4242 or ticketoffice@dmtc.com.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com
Wow- this is a great description of the races- it was almost like I was there
Loved this article. Descriptions were great, and I particularly liked the Damon Runyon references. I felt like I was right at the track with the writer.