The long national nightmare is over: A winner has finally been announced for the Miss Del Mar Cougar 2009 contest.
Ms. Rosie Goldstein took top honors at the contest, which race track officials used to promote the Cougar II Handicap race on Wednesday. The doubtless very-happy winner will go home clutching a gift certificate for two at the Vela Restaurant in the Bayfront Hilton after having spent the day at the table she won at Del Mar's Turf Club.
Twenty-eight women entered the contest, but in the end, the Realtor from Tierrasanta walked away with the title.
"She really embraced herself in that mold," said Del Mar Thoroughbred Club spokesman Walker McBride, who said Goldstein described herself as "over 40" and has been to the track numerous times in the past.
Among Miss Del Mar Cougar's title obligations: presenting the trophy to the the winning connections of the Cougar II Handicap race, which, at a 1.5 miles, is the longest race at Del Mar this year.
"Del Mar won’t hide that the seaside track is known for attracting cougars of all kinds," the Del Mar Scene Web site said in announcing the contest. On Wednesday, officials took time out to thank "all the attractive women 'in their prime' who attend the Del Mar Racetrack."
