DEL MAR (CNS) - More than 40,000 race fans were expected to flock to Del Mar today for opening day of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's 72nd racing season.
Opening day festivities will include the "One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest," where entrants are judged on creativity and style. Cash and other prizes will be awarded for the hat with the best racing theme, the funniest, the most glamorous and the one that uses flowers or other props the best.
Admission today starts at $10. Throughout the rest of the seven-week season, admission starts at $6.
Also returning this year is the "4 o'clock Fridays Summer Concert Series." Every Friday throughout the season, a new musical act will perform after the day's races conclude.
Bing Crosby and fellow entertainer and actor Pat O'Brien founded the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in 1937. Crosby later penned the "Where the Turf Meets the Surf" theme song.