Where The Surf Meets The Turf

The prestigious Breeders’ Cup is a series of Grade 1 races spread over two days.

Since the Breeders' Cup's inaugural meeting in 1984 at Hollywood Park, the fixture has moved from venue to venue like a band on tour.

The prestigious Breeders’ Cup is a series of Grade 1 races spread over two days.

It's hardly surprising that Santa Anita, a premier track (with a permanent stabling area) that is constantly buzzing with horses and racing, has hosted the meeting a record 10 times.

Del Mar, on the other hand, is much quieter. Set in a relaxed and sunny seaside location, it is reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood and has been frequented by many an A-lister over the years.

Del Mar (meaning 'from the sea' in Spanish) is firmly rooted in its Californian coastal location. A slogan conjured by the track's former publicity executive, Eddie Read, has stuck for good reason - ‘Nobody's in a hurry except the horses’.

And that's the way it's been since the beginning...

Singer Bing Crosby brought together some big names in the entertainment industry to open the racecourse. Actors Joe E. Brown, Gary Cooper, Oliver Hardy, Pat O’Brien and Jimmy Durante, together with businessman and owner of Seabiscuit, Charles S. Howard, are responsible for founding Del Mar racetrack.

The first fixture was held in July 1937. The very next year the track hit the big time. The connections proved lucrative when Howard arranged a winner-takes-all match race between Seabiscuit and the Crosby/Lindsay Howard owned Ligaroti.

The occasion filled the stands as the beloved Seabiscuit seized the victory by a nose. The race became front-page news.

Crosby sold his share in 1946 but is remembered when his song is played there every race day.

Where the turf meets the surf
Down at old Del Mar
Take a plane
Take a train
Take a car.
There is a smile on every face
And a winner in each race
Where the turf meets the surf
At Del Mar.

The July handicap and November meet are also named in his honour.

In 2017 Del Mar became the 12th track to host The Breeders' Cup. This year will be the second time the world-famous meeting has taken place here. The track now sees runners and racegoers from around the world.

Quite the story!