Bust out the haute hats once more: fall horse racing season returns to Del Mar Thursday, bringing thoroughbreds and revelers back to the track for a 20-day, five-week season.
“The Bing Crosby Season,” now in its second year, officially opens at 11 a.m. with the first post slated for 12:30 p.m. This time around, the season runs through Nov. 29, with races scheduled throughout five weeks – Thursday through Sunday (the track is closed Monday through Wednesday). According to organizers, this year’s Bing Crosby Season includes five more days of racing than last year’s inaugural season.
Named in honor of the track’s famous founder, Bing Crosby, organizers say the fall racing event will pay homage to old Hollywood glamour while still featuring all of the bells and whistles of a seaside season, including concerts, events, food and drinks.
The highlight of Opening Day will be the Hollywood Fashion Contest boasting more than $3,000 in prizes. Attendees are encouraged to dress in dazzling Hollywood styles, from vintage to modern, including get-ups that pay tribute to a favorite celebrity or famous couple of the past or present.
Like the iconic Opening Day Hats Contest of the summer racing season, this competition will take place in Plaza de Mexico inside the Stretch Run admission gates between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Categories include Most Glamorous, Best Dressed Couple of Debonaire Man and Best Celebrity Look-Alike or Famous Character.
Organizers says those looking for a bargain will enjoy Sundays at the track, especially the weekly “Free and Easy” promotion that includes free admission, a free program and half-price deals on domestic drafts, sodas and hot dogs.
Sundays will also bring “Bing+Bubbles+Brunch” to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC), a $100 package that includes a table in the Turf Club, bottomless mimosas or Chandon champagne and a special brunch created by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey.
As for concerts, the popular Reggae Fest on Nov. 21 featuring headlining band Iration is expected to draw a large crowd. On Nov. 28, Sublime With Rome will take the stage.
Also noteworthy: the Fall Food Truck Festival on Nov. 7 featuring more than 40 gourmet food trucks, and the Craft Beer & Cider Festival on Nov. 28 boasting more than 100 local and international beers and ciders.
For a full list of events happening at the 2015 Bing Crosby Season, visit the DMTC’s website.
