The Pacific surf

Del Mar

ThoroughbredDirtTurf
Official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Del Mar is a thoroughbred racetrack in Del Mar, California. It opened in 1937, making it 89 years old in 2026. It races on a 1-mile dirt oval, 7/8-mile turf course. It holds about 44,000 fans.

Its signature races are the Pacific Classic (G1), Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), Del Mar Oaks (G1) and Del Mar Futurity (G1).

In 1938 Seabiscuit beat Ligaroti by a nose in a match race at Del Mar, the first thoroughbred race broadcast nationwide on NBC radio.

Track facts

Location
Del Mar, California
Racing
Thoroughbred
Surfaces
Dirt, Turf
Track
1-mile dirt oval, 7/8-mile turf course
Opened
1937
Capacity
44,000
Racing season
July–early September and November–early December
Operator
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Nickname
Where the Turf Meets the Surf
Size rank
3rd of 17

Signature races at Del Mar

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs july–early September and November–early December. Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows the Pacific surf in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Del Mar and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Del Mar

Hotels near Del MarBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Del MarTours & things to do in Del MarSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Del Mar10

  1. 1ThoroughbredLos Alamitos Race Course — Los Alamitos Futurity (Cypress, California)73 mi
  2. 2ThoroughbredSanta Anita Park — Santa Anita Handicap (Arcadia, California)93 mi
  3. 3ThoroughbredTurf Paradise — Turf Paradise Derby (Phoenix, Arizona)302 mi
  4. 4ThoroughbredSunRay Park & Casino — San Juan County Commissioners Handicap (Farmington, New Mexico)580 mi
  5. 5ThoroughbredThe Downs Racetrack & Casino — Downs at Albuquerque Fall QH Championship (QH G1) (Albuquerque, New Mexico)629 mi
  6. 6ThoroughbredSunland Park Racetrack & Casino — Sunland Park Derby (Sunland Park, New Mexico)629 mi
  7. 7ThoroughbredWyoming Downs — Wyoming Downs Derby (Evanston, Wyoming)670 mi
  8. 8ThoroughbredGrants Pass Downs — Thoroughbred racing (Grants Pass, Oregon)732 mi
  9. 9ThoroughbredZia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack — Zia Park Derby (Hobbs, New Mexico)818 mi
  10. 10ThoroughbredBally's Arapahoe Park — Gold Rush Futurity (Aurora, Colorado)836 mi

Questions about Del Mar

Where is Del Mar?

Del Mar is in Del Mar, California.

What kind of racing is at Del Mar?

Del Mar hosts thoroughbred racing. Live racing runs july–early September and November–early December.

When did Del Mar open?

Del Mar opened in 1937.

How many people does Del Mar hold?

Del Mar holds about 44,000 fans.

What is the biggest race at Del Mar?

The signature race at Del Mar is the Pacific Classic (G1).

What other racetracks are near Del Mar?

The closest is Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California, about 73 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.