Del Mar racecourse in California is set to host the Breeders’ Cup meeting next month for the first time in the history of the World Championship event. The best horses from around the world will compete over two days in a number of different divisions depending on the ground and distance. But what is Del Mar all about and what should horse racing fans expect from the lavish venue? Take a look at our whistle-stop guide to the Cali race haven.
Where Is Del Mar?
Del Mar Racetrack via Twitter
Del Mar is approximately 20 miles north of San Diego. The closest airport is McClellan-Palmomar which is 15 miles from the course, with San Diego International just over 20 miles away. If you are travelling from Los Angeles International, you have a 100 mile journey to Del Mar racecourse ahead.
Dress Code
The dress code at Del Mar for the 2017 Breeders’ Cup will depend on which enclosure you have booked tickets for. If you are sitting in Turf Club, it has much more stricter conditions than the rest of the course. Gentlemen are required to wear a suit jacket at all times with optional tie. Ladies are asked to wear a suit, daytime dress or slacks. Tailored denim may be worn. It is inappropriate to wear anything which is torn. Children over 12 years of age are required to abide the dress policy too.
The racing
CourseSpecialist via Twitter
The feature race of the two days is the Breeders’ Cup Classic which is the final contest of the meeting. This year’s renewal allows for a fascinating duel between last year’s winner Arrogate, who will be racing for the last time in his career, and a very much in-form horse in Gun Runner. Many pundits in the sport expect the latter to defeat the defending champion, and the bookmakers agree, making him their favourite in their horse racing betting at +150. 24 hours earlier is the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where the fillies and mares take centre stage in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Stellar Wind is the favourite in this race to continue her excellent run of form in 2017.
History of the Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup has been running annually since 1984 and has taken place in either the United States or Canada in very year since then. Some of the best horses over the last four decades have competed, included the star American filly Zenyatta who was successful in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009.
Items You Cannot Bring Into The Racecourse
The following items are not permitted into the racecourse at Del Mar: Alcoholic beverages, no outside food, backpacks, balloons, balls, duffel bags, coolers, glass bottles or containers, grills, wagons, weapons, drones, outside chairs, umbrellas, plastic tarps and pop-up tents.
Where to stay?
There are five official hotels which have partnered with Del Mar and the Breeders’ Cup to offer racegoers discounts on their stay. They are as follows: Hilton San Diego, Estancia La Jolla, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego Marriott, Lodge At Torrey Pines and Doubletree By Hilton San Diego.
Enjoy your visit to Del Mar and good luck if you are having a punt on the racing at the Californian racecourse.
