Del Mar – the ultimate place for a soothing yet an action-packed holiday
If you’re looking for a serene vacation spot along with some action, then Del Mar would be the place to go. Located just outside of San Diego, California, this town is the ultimate holiday destination, and if you’re into horse-racing then that’s just icing on the cake.
Starting on 18th July, 2012, the prestigious event has attracted vacationers and sports enthusiasts from all over the United States. The 37 day meet is bound to be exciting, fun and relaxing at the same time.
On the opening day, the Oceanside Stakes will be held, which has some of the best runners from the stables of John Shirreffs, who will be represented by Blingo. John Sadler is entering Koast, and Bob Baffert will be running Midnight Crooner.
Since, this is one of the biggest horse-racing meets of the summer, trainers, riders, owners and runners have been shipped from different parts of the country to try their luck here. The fans of horse-racing have one person to thank and that is – Bing Crosby.
Bing Crosby opened this track in 1937 and personally greeted his fans on the day it opened. Over the course of time, the track has been used for different purposes such as training marines in the World War II, but returned to its original purpose when the first Bing Crosby Handicap was held in 1946.
Some great horses have competed here including the legendary, Seabiscuit, who ran against Ligaroti in 1938.
This year, Amazombie will compete in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes with the hope of securing the victory. Running over a distance of six furlongs, the mega-event that honours the founder will take place on 29th July, 2012.
Last year, the six-year-old stood third in this prestigious race and, this year he might step it up and achieve this one for trainer, Bill Spawr.
One of the most anticipated races in this meet is the Grade 1 Eddie Read Stakes, where Acclamation will compete for the second time.
Having won the title previously, the charge of Donald Warren will be feeling an immense amount of pressure taking on the 1 1/8 mile track again.
The winner of the 2011 older division Eclipse Award will be taking on this race for the second time where he will get an opportunity to defend his crown.
Bob Baffert will be bringing his army of juveniles to compete in this meet and will aim to win the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity for the eleventh time.
Den’s Legacy and Power Broker will try and break their respective maidens, whereas winner of her two starts, Executiveprivilege will race as a favourite in the Grade 1 $300,000, Del Mar Debutante.
The event kicked off with a gun show on 16th July, 2012, and plenty of other exciting events are bound to take place including the post-race concerts. Another reason to visit Del Mar at this time of year is the best fish tacos in the world.
This is one of the most exciting events of the year, “where the turf meets the surf” is the perfect way to describe it, since the beaches, the sunshine, the weather and the races can all be enjoyed at the same time.
Del Mar is quiet for most of the year and visiting it during the Del Mar meet would make the trip exciting, packed with fun-filled experiences which will all add up to an unforgettable experience.
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