DEL MAR, Calif. — The horse racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack kicked off Saturday afternoon. It's the 85th year of the San Diego summertime tradition.
The energy was high Saturday as people and horses lined up at the racetrack for the start of the 2024 season.
"I mean, we as a staff are excited, but the people coming in, I feel like they wait all year for this day to pick their best hat, their best dress, their best whatever it is, and they just really show off to everybody," Erin Bailey with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club said.
This year is extra special with a number of events coming up.
"My favorite probably is tacos and tequila on August 10," Bailey said. "We do have a Wine Fest on August 3, we have taste of New Orleans on August 24, we have Pacific Classic Day, our big million dollar race on August 31 and we've got a Family Fun Day for anyone who wants to bring the kiddos out."
There will also be chances for people to experience the members-only Turf Club.
"We have two great events that will allow people to get into the Turf Club this summer. We have Turf Club Fridays every Friday, and we have Taste of the Turf Club every Sunday, which is kind of a neat little brunch," Bailey said.
Of course, opening day means the hats come out to play. Every year, people dress their best and bring out their best hats.
"Something that's really special about Del Mar is that even after opening day, fashion is still in play here," Bailey said. "People love to come here and get dressed up. You'll see the coolest suits and some really fantastic hats. The fashion here is really fun to watch all season long."
The excitement doesn't end in the summer. The Breeders' Cup is coming to Del Mar in the fall.
"That is the Super Bowl of racing from a global perspective and so we are expecting just the best of the best for two days," Bailey said.
The horse racing season runs through Sept. and the Breeders' Cup comes in November.
WATCH RELATED: Del Mar Racetrack Kicks Off Summer Season