“Bing was king!” If you were around in the '30s, you would have been all too familiar with that slogan. At that time, Bing Crosby was already a household name, as he is to this day. The actor/singer appeared in more than 79 films, ruled the music charts with more than 396 singles (!!!) including 41 No. 1 hits, and sold more than 100 million copies of his holiday staple "White Christmas."
Crosby also loved racing horses, bought his first racehorse in 1935 and became a founding partner of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) in 1937 -- so it's fitting that they named their 15-day fall event session the Bing Crosby Season in honor of their founder. Now in its third year, the DMTC kicks off their fall festivities on Friday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day), with plenty to do and see.
On Opening Day, guests are invited to celebrate the holiday at the seaside track for a special Veterans Day Salute and fundraising event; take part in the Stars & Stripes Fashion contest by dressing up in red, white and blue; witness the unfurling of the Holiday Bowl flag (one of the largest U.S. flags in the country); watch parachute jumpers and a ride-in by several veteran motorcycle clubs; order up some hearty BBQ; and rock out to rising country music star Coffey Anderson, along with other military bands and special guests. Heads up: The fashion contest will take place between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. so get there early -- there’s more than $3,000 in prizes up for grabs!
On Saturday, Nov. 12, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals kick off the racetrack’s fall concert series. We’re no stranger to Harper and his unique brand of blues, folk, soul, reggae and rock -- and those who have seen him in concert, know he puts on one of the best shows around. One of our favorite local artists, Mimi Zulu, will open the show. As always, the show begins after the last race of the day and is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
By the way, Sunday, Nov. 13 (and every following Sunday in the fall season) acclaimed chef Brian Malarkey -- who you might know from Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games” and Bravo’s “Top Chef,” as well as his celebrated Herb & Wood, Searsucker and Herringbone restaurants -- will be serving up a rotating three-course menu trackside at Taste of the Turf Club complete with bottomless Chandon mimosas. Pro tip: Reservations and dress code are required so plan accordingly.
The Bing Crosby Season runs from Nov. 11 through Dec. 4, with races taking place Thursdays through Sundays (first race at 12:30 p.m.). In case music fans are wondering, the other concert scheduled for the fall season is Reggae Fest, which returns to the track on Saturday, Nov. 19 with Iration.
For more information on all the various events and shows, visit Del Mar Racing’s official website.
