Del Mar Racetrack History

Del Mar Racetrack was inaugurated in 1937. In 1938, the famous Seabiscuit-Ligaroti horseracing meet attracted 20000 spectators from different parts of the country. Between the years – 1942 and 1944 – the racing ground was used as a manufacturing site of B-17 bombers. From 1948 onwards, a host of celebrities joined in the turf race including Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Betty Grable, George Jessel, Mickey Rooney and Jimmy Durante. The track eventually names its turf course in Durante’s honor.

William Lee Shoemaker sets a Del Mar record of 52 wins and became the first apprentice to claim the track's riding title in 1949. In 1953, the track presented its richest stakes schedule with 10 events worth $130,000 in added money. During Del Mar’s silver anniversary summer season in 1964, the racetrack was decorated and special racing events were organized.