Opening Day at the Del Mar Horse Races is July 22, 2022
The annual thoroughbred racing season is coming soon to the Del Mar Race Track for 2022. Indeed, Opening Day is just 1 week from this Friday.
Thoroughbred racing at the Del Mar Race Track begins Friday July 22nd, running through Sunday September 11th. Here’s the calendar of races with gate opening and race times. Furthermore, gates open 2 hours before race time.
Horse racing at Del Mar is a very popular summer event for area residents and visitors. As a result there are fans from all around Southern California, and far beyond.
Plus thoroughbred racing has been popular at the Del Mar race track for decades. As a result there are big crowds, and plenty of famous, not famous, and maybe even infamous, people.
Thus many know that Del Mar thoroughbred racing has been a favorite scene to see Hollywood celebrities and other glitterati; no doubt the 2022 Del Mar Races will be the same.
Opening Day at the Del Mar Race Track includes the very popular “Opening Day Hats Contest.” Show off your hat in the Plaza de Mexico between 12:00 and 3 pm. There is no entry fee to participate. All that’s needed is a great hat, and terrific clothes to show it off!
Cash prizes will be awarded totaling over $4000 in 4 categories – Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, Best Fascinator and Best Flowers.
Admission tickets that include general parking must be purchased in advance. Be aware that only vehicles with all passengers holding tickets for that day will be allowed to park. Here’s the parking information including general parking and valet.
A shorter horse racing season was added a few years ago, and in 2022 the season runs November 11th through December 4th.
Plan on heavy traffic when traveling the 5 freeway, and on the Coast Road, as well as major side streets like Via de la Valle, in particular on opening day, in addition to summer crowds in the area in general.