Del Mar: Where the Surf meets the Turf.

Historic Del Mar RacewayDel Mar  Racetrack is as "cool as ever".  It's where the surf meets the turf.  Opening Day 2011 was nothing short of spectacular as almost 47,000 souls ditched work to spend the day at the races.  Thoroughbred racing has a long and distinguished history in Del Mar, ever since Bing Crosby and his pals opened the track in 1937 and Seabiscuit ran there in 1938.  Known as a playground to the Hollywood luminaries like Ava Gardner, Red Skelton, W.C. Fields, Don Ameche, Dorothy Lamour and others.

Opening Day at Del Mar has become an incredible celebration over the years.  More about the party and the fashion and THE HATS than the actual racing, Del Mar is like the Kentucky Derby for So.Cal.  Check our SURF meets the TURF pix.   Getting to the track on opening day is always a challenge as the crowds of limo's, party buses and regular autos basically funnel into a single lane.  Aspen Spin hoofed it to the track through the back door from about 2 miles away.  Auto traffic was moving at approximately 1 mile per hour as the 2 pm post time approached.

Pre and Post parties in downtown Del Mar were numerous.  Drinking was voluminous and people dressed for success and to impress.  The Hollywood glamour seemed to be limited to the b-list, one of the "real housewives" was there and a couple of NFL QB's; Mark Sanchez and Aaron Rodgers.  We didn't make it to the Turf Club or the Winners Circle, but it was BIG fun in the grandstand.

Check the pix.  SURF meets the TURF.

Unbelievable Hats at Del Mar Opening Day. Click 4 Pix.Magnificent animals at Del Mar. Click for pix.Ladies of Del Mar.