Where turf meets surf and splits wallet from money Jul 17, 2008
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has had its shots. This year, opening day, one of the best of its kind, fell on the driest sports day of 2008. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
JOHN R. McCUTCHEN / Union-TribuneThey're off and running! Jul 17, 2008
Craig Fravel, executive vice president of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the entity that operates the race track at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, admitted that opening day was nerve-wracking because everything needed to be perfect, from the landscaping to the weather. His butterflies finally settle down, he said, when the horses come out onto the track and Trevor (Denman) does his first race call. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
DEL MAR: Racing season heads to the starting gate Jul 16, 2008
DEL MAR ---- There was a sense of calm surrounding the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Tuesday. That aura will be decidedly different Wednesday. (North County Times)
Del Mar meeting forecast cloudy?Advance sales holding own, but issues – Eight Belles tragedy, Big Brown disappointment, Capitol Hill hearings and gas prices – could affect the usually robust track's gate Jul 13, 2008
Joe Harper, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club president, CEO and general manager, said that rather than consider the congressional hearings a negative, he applauded them. I think it's time that somebody took a fresh look to give us the perspective of the public at something that racetrack managers know is a problem, Harper said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar revved to pick up the pace Jul 13, 2008
That's why Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials consider the 2007 meeting, the first over the Polytrack artificial surface, a success. 2007 file photo / Union-Tribune Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials consider last season, the first over the Polytrack artificial surface, a success. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Goodbye fair, hello horses Jul 13, 2008
The turnout of horses for opening day of the track was lighter than Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials had anticipated. Outriders and starting gate crew members had little to do. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
DEL MAR: Fair just misses attendance record Jul 8, 2008
In a little more than one week --- July 16 --- the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is set to open its summer racing season. Monday morning, crews moved amid the rumble of diesel engines, the clatter of steel on steel and the stale smell of concessions that had served their last funnel cake or deep-fried Twinkie. (North County Times)
Fair at wire, so Del Mar in gate Jul 5, 2008
Opening day of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club summer season is July 16, a mere 11 days hence. And with the fair occupying the grounds through tomorrow, the turnaround time from midway to major race place is only nine days four fewer than the shortest previous turnaround in 2001 and last year for the more than 100 workers whose job it is to facilitate the transformation. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Best sporting events of a San Diego lifetime Jun 19, 2008
Cigar's loss at Del Mar, Aug. 10, 1996: A record turnout of 44,181 filled the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to see Cigar seek to break Citation's record of 16 straight victories. The race created a buzz in San Diego. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Focus is on Curlin again after return from Dubai Jun 14, 2008
Such as, a full-page Del Mar Thoroughbred Club ad in the Belmont Stakes day edition of the Daily Racing Form trumpeting Over $8 million in stakes 'Where The Turf Meets The Surf. . (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
It's difficult to accept all sport's warts May 10, 2008
A guy who chronicled the developments as Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials spearheaded a shift to synthetic surfaces at California tracks in hopes of increasing the safety factor for riders and horses. A guy who never heard anyone say synthetics were a panacea. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Going against the odds May 3, 2008
One of the more successful tracks is Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego, which was founded by Bing Crosby and some of his Hollywood pals in 1937. One thing that we have recognized in the last decade is that in order to be successful you better market something other than your sport, says president Joe Harper, who sat on MEC's board of directors for two years earlier this decade. (Globe and Mail)
Eight Belles set to challenge the males May 2, 2008
A clash between Harper, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club president, and Ahmed Zayat, one of Baffert's main clients, over the newly installed Polytrack surface resulted in Zayat shipping all of his stock from Del Mar to Eastern tracks last summer. Left out. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Freebies for lawmakers Mar 31, 2008
$100 from Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Gym membership. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Early nod goes to Pyro Feb 24, 2008
But for starters, the consensus of the panel Mac McBride and Dan Smith of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and U-T Staff Writer Hank Wesch was to reward Pyro for an impressive victory in the Risen Star Handicap, and wait to see how War Pass looks making his 3-year-old debut tomorrow against easy competition in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park. War Pass went 3-0 head-to-head against Pyro in notching four victories in as many starts last year en route to an Eclipse Award as the top 2-year-old... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
After Santa Anita coup, Del Mar has its eye on 2011 Breeders' Cup Feb 10, 2008
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club President and General Manager Joe Harper's reaction: I was delighted to be mentioned in the rotation. Since the early 1990s, when a new grandstand replaced the wonderfully quaint but antiquated one from the 1930s, a Breeders' Cup at Del Mar has been the stuff of dreams for local horseplayers. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Churchill a main contender for 2010 Breeders' Cup Feb 10, 2008
The Louisville track, along with Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Belmont Park, are the primary candidates among the tracks that have expressed interest to host the event "in 2010 and beyond," according to Jim Gluckson, a spokesman for Breeders' Cup Ltd., the Lexington, Ky. -based organization that runs the annual Breeders' Cup Thoroughbred racing championship. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Santa Anita eyes Del Mar as training facility Jan 9, 2008
Santa Anita President Ron Charles has contacted Del Mar Thoroughbred Club President and CEO Joe Harper about opening the track at the fair grounds as a training facility in case Santa Anita has to be closed down for further work on its Cushion Track main course. Drainage failures of the artificial surface installed last summer at a cost of $11 million when subjected to recent heavy rains rendered it unsafe for racing and prompted the closures. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Cushion or Poly, artificial tracks not perfect Dec 16, 2007
But Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials say not to worry. The Hexadeck was part of the $10 million package for the conversion from dirt to Polytrack early this year. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
California: Governor gambles on gaming expansion Nov 2, 2007
It permits expansion of off-track wagering into markets that aren't currently served, said Craig Fravel of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. I wouldn't call it a huge potential expansion. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Last few evacuees leave stadium Oct 28, 2007
K.C. ALFRED / Union-Tribune Ramona residents Debbie Boling and her son, Kyle, 10, relaxed in a makeshift bed with their dogs Savannah and Princess at the the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club yesterday ... K.C. ALFRED / Union-Tribune Sandy Rogers of Ramona sat with her dog, Arco, at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club yesterday after being moved from Qualcomm Stadium. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
From far and wide, helpers pour into a fire-stricken San Diego Oct 26, 2007
She parked her truck at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, home of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and set to work caring for some of the more than 2,500 horses that have been given shelter there from. "There are , but they seem to be taken care of," says Ms. Hanley. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Santa Anita in sync with new track Sep 26, 2007
Similar to what the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club does with the State of California to operate its summer season at Del Mar, the Oak Tree Racing Association basically a non-profit organization of horsemen leases Santa Anita to conduct the month-long meeting. The Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting has been selected to host the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships in 2008. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
CEO Profile: MGM Mirage chief isn't rolling the dice on politics Sep 24, 2007
Boards: KB Home, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Family: Wife Debbie, a philanthropist, and young adult sons Sean and Patrick. (USA Today -- Money)
Awaiting data before Polytrack tweaking Sep 15, 2007
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club President, CEO and General Manager Joe Harper and Executive Vice President Craig Fravel are now waiting for a rain, or at least a sprinkle, of data to fall concerning the summer thoroughbred race meeting. The DMTC commissioned a graduate student under Michael Peterson, an engineering professor at the University of Maine, to assemble data on the first year of Polytrack Where the Turf Meets the Surf. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar's season is coming down the back stretch Sep 5, 2007
Whatever group you're in, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will close its annual summer meeting today with the featured Grade I Del Mar Futurity. To say it's been an interesting 43 days would be an understatement. (North County Times)
Slow Classic raises questions about Polytrack Aug 22, 2007
" It's time for Baffert to put that one to use.Bush move of the weekThe Del Mar Thoroughbred Club receives the honor this week for changing its programs on Pacific Classic Day.Normally, at the top of each race's page there are boxes for fans to fill in the win, place and show prices of the horses.On Sunday, however, Del Mar got rid of the boxes in order to put the sponsors of each race.There should have been a way to put both on the page and not forsake something that is there the other 42 days... (North County Times)
As good as gold Aug 20, 2007
Last modified Sunday, August 19, 2007 11:20 PM PDT. First, count the number of golf courses. (North County Times)
Talamo, Baze are riding to the top Aug 19, 2007
Last modified Saturday, August 18, 2007 10:17 PM PDT. Joseph Talamo sits on top of Fantastic Spring after winning the 4th race at the Del Mar Race Track on Thursday. (North County Times)
Post your Comments Some fair board members generous to politicians Aug 19, 2007
The district puts on the San Diego County Fair and is the landlord of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, which produces the summer race meet. Nearly 350 events are held at the fairgrounds every year. (North County Times)
Lava Man ready to erupt at Pacific Classic Aug 17, 2007
Three races are included in the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and you're in" card Sunday at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club near San Diego (7-8 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Race. (USA Today -- Sports)
More of this story Aug 17, 2007
North County Times - Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - Fifth fatality logged on turf course. Last modified Thursday, August 16, 2007 11:20 PM PDT. (North County Times)
Del Mar's leading man Aug 15, 2007
And, like John Henry, who at the grand age of 9 could blow far younger horses off the track, Harper, with almost three decades at the helm of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, is one of the most respected racetrack operators in the nation ... Last year, the Del Mar track ranked No. 1 in daily attendance, No. 2 in daily wagers and No. 5 in purses paid, said Mike Ernst, chief financial officer of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the not-for-profit entity that runs the racetrack at the Del Mar... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Synthetic surfaces have helped decrease horse deaths across country Aug 14, 2007
"I can't tell you how happy we are," said Joe Harper, the president and general manager of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. "The only reason we put this product in was safety, and so far it's doing what it's supposed to do.". (North County Times)
A lesser breed? Booming breeding business could lead to more brittle horses Aug 13, 2007
North County Times - Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - A lesser breed. Booming breeding business could lead to more brittle horses. (North County Times)
Horse racing's black eye Aug 12, 2007
Last modified Saturday, August 11, 2007 11:26 PM PDT. Some people label them exhibition games, others preseason contests. (North County Times)
Precious Kitten runs a purr-fect Mabee Aug 5, 2007
Last modified Sunday, August 5, 2007 12:51 AM PDT. This isn't about the clothing lines, dangly earrings or who can wear the most scandalous outfit. (North County Times)
Keep an eye on Georgie Boy. This owner is in it for wins wins and more wins and Georgie Boy is ready to fly. Owner George Schwary is one smart cookie when it comes to horses. He's an owner to keep your eye on. He won't be content until he reaches Churchill Downs. My bet is on Georgie Boy!!! More... Jul 28, 2007
North County Times - Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - Horse racing notes: Georgie Boy survives inquiry. Last modified Wednesday, July 25, 2007 11:33 PM PDT. (North County Times)
After Market wins Eddie Read Jul 23, 2007
DEL MAR _ After Market, a 4-year-old colt owned by Pam and Martin Wygod of Rancho Santa Fe, trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Alex Solis, was a 1 1/2-length winner of the $400,000, Eddie Read Handicap, the first Grade I stake of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club meeting. After Market spotted runner-up Out of Control a two length advantage at the head of the stretch but overcame it easily and crossed under the wire in 1:47. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Win? Place? Time to raceNew track makes handicapping real shot in the dark Jul 19, 2007
CHARLIE NEUMAN / Union-Tribune Earl Neff, 93, studies the handicap form at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club ... The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club invested more than $8 ... Joe Harper, CEO and general manager of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, believes bettors will adapt. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
19 comment(s) From chic to silly, hats top Opening Day at Del Mar Jul 19, 2007
The celebration of all things feminine at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is an Opening Day tradition that dates to 1937, when Bing Crosby escorted the first paying patron into the track, said contest organizer Julie Sarno. Crosby's lady wore a hat, and ladies have been sporting hats ever since. (North County Times)
Opening Day At Del Mar Jul 19, 2007
Opening day is Wednesday, July 18, so put on your best hat and head over to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. This year the races have something to offer for everyone, so you dont have to enjoy horse racing to have a blast. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
Del Mar Races Jul 18, 2007
Herewith, Pick 4s in their specialty areas from two Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and two U-T experts ... I think you can reasonably conclude that every racetrack manager starts thinking about changing racing surfaces the day they start managing the racetrack, said Fravel, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club executive vice president ... DEL MAR, July 13 (UNION-TRIBUNE) : Polytrack, the new racing surface here, was trod upon purposefully by a significant number of horses for the first time yesterday as the Del... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar's Polytrack era begins Jul 18, 2007
Jockeys Gary Stevens, right, and Martin Pedroza work out race horses on the track at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club ... You can bet more than a few executives of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will be holding their collective breath with this afternoon's unveiling of its annual 43-day meet, which features a three-way split of the Oceanside Stakes for the first time in track history. (North County Times)
Summer race meet begins today Jul 18, 2007
DEL MAR -- The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club begins its 68th annual racing season today, with concerts, kids days and other special events on tap during its 43-day run ... Del Mar Thoroughbred Club entertainment lineup ... Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 2007 race meet. (North County Times)
A surface issueAll eyes (and hooves) will be on the new artificial Polytrack mix, which is supposed to lead to safer and more consistent racing Jul 16, 2007
I think you can reasonably conclude that every racetrack manager starts thinking about changing racing surfaces the day they start managing the racetrack, said Fravel, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club executive vice president ... Opening: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 68th summer meeting, Wednesday, first post 2 p.m. Online: For a video presentation on the new track surface at Del Mar, go to uniontrib. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Polytrack offers jockeys new challenge Jul 16, 2007
The Blue Grass Stakes is one of the top preps on the road to the Kentucky Derby, but this year it proved to be a poster child for what can be good and bad about Polytrack, which the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has installed. The 1 1/8 mile race at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky. (North County Times)
Bettor or worse? -- Del Mar's new Polytrack a big puzzle for handicappers Jul 15, 2007
North County Times - Del Mar Thoroughbred Club - Bettor or worse ... Some 100 miles to the south, Joe Harper, president of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, just smiled ... Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's annual 43-day meet. (North County Times)
Feedback on Polytrack at Del Mar is sure winner Jul 13, 2007
DEL MAR Polytrack, the new racing surface here, was trod upon purposefully by a significant number of horses for the first time yesterday as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club opened the track for training leading up to the start of its summer meeting Wednesday. In a 5 -hour period starting at 4:30 a.m., track officials estimated 400 of the approximately 600 horses already on site were exercised over the surface a mixture of silicon sand, fibers, rubber and wax installed early this year at a cost of... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar Undergoes Transition Jul 10, 2007
Now workers are busy getting ready for racing season at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. By July 18, there will be no sign of the chickens, goats and all those fun rides that drew record crowds. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
Officials: 2007 fair is a record-breaker Jul 7, 2007
In one week, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will take possession of the fairgrounds to prepare for the July 18 opening of its 10-week racing season. A number of ride operators worked through the night and were off the grounds by 7 a.m. Thursday, Paegert said. (North County Times)
End of fair will bring more work on Polytrack surface Jun 26, 2007
Fravel said the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club was told by manufacturers that it was better too have too little wax in the initial surface. "You can always add wax," Fravel said, "but you can't take it out.". (North County Times)
Back in saddle in long run Jun 23, 2007
On July 15, a Sunday, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club plans a Fan fest in which anyone interested will be able to get a hands-on (or feet-on) experience with the stuff. About new technology: Del Mar will be the first track in California to have the Trakus system for its major videoboards. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Many workers call the fairgrounds home Jun 19, 2007
When the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club races are held from July 18 to Sept. 5, horses, jockeys and grooms occupy the stables and adjoining apartments. In June, however, exhibitors, concessionaires and carnival workers fill the backstretch with trailers and RVs. (North County Times)
The lady is a champ in Belmont Jun 10, 2007
Last modified Saturday, June 9, 2007 11:54 PM PDT. Horse racing Football has its long-snappers, run-stuffers and nickel backs who only see action if it is third-and-long, the quarterback is left-handed and the moon is in a waning crescent phase. (North County Times)
The winner of this year's race will be ... Apr 29, 2007
Mac McBride, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club director of media, already in Louisville for his 10th year assisting with prerace publicity. Wonderful Derby to bet (if you like a horse, you'll get a price), double-tough Derby to pick. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Riders, trainers wowed by new track Apr 24, 2007
It marked the conclusion of a $9 million Del Mar Thoroughbred Club / 22nd Agricultural District project and the start of a new era Where The Turf Meets the Surf. It's a great day. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Races add to confusion Apr 21, 2007
But speculation and interpretation are Jobs 1 and 2 for designated Derby Trail watchers such as the Union-Tribune's panel of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club representatives Mac McBride and Dan Smith and staff writer Hank Wesch. So, the consensus of the trio was that Street Sense shouldn't be penalized for going 1-for-2 against proven top-level competition in Derby preps, with both the win and the loss by a matter of inches. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar track expected to be ready on time Apr 20, 2007
In recent weeks, the cars with sand ticketed for Del Mar had been low on the priority list for unloading at the railroad facility, according to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club spokesman Mac McBride. We were at their mercy, and it was a little frustrating, McBride said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar changes the stakes, slightly Apr 9, 2007
When it comes to its stakes schedule, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club takes the stance that "if it's not broke, don't fix it.". The 2007 schedule mostly adheres to that philosophy, but there are a few tweaks in the recently released racing calendar. (North County Times)
Race in Louisiana could stir the pot of Kentucky stew Mar 11, 2007
The voting of panel members Dan Smith and Mac McBride of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and U-T staff writer Hank Wesch resulted in Great Hunter being moved from fifth to the top of the list and 'Shobiz being dropped to seventh. It's typical shuffling for this time of year, when the Derby prep season is in full swing and different candidates make their mark, or don't, in events in various parts of the country virtually every weekend. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Nobiz Like Shobiz top-rated Feb 24, 2007
That effort made 'Shobiz the unanimous No. 1 in the voting of U-T Derby Watch panelists Mac McBride and Dan Smith of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and staff writer Hank Wesch. Weekly updates of the ratings will appear each Saturday for the next nine weeks through April 28, one week before the Kentucky Derby is run. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Industry bigwigs celebrate owner McCaffery's life Feb 17, 2007
Seldom do I root for a horse in the Pacific Classic, but when (McCaffery) won, I was really rooting for hers, said Joe Harper, president, CEO and general manager of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Which time. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar begins track conversion Feb 1, 2007
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club staged a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday to mark the start of the $8 million project to convert the main track racing surface from dirt to synthetic Polytrack. DMTC President, CEO and General Manager Joe Harper led a line of representatives of the track, the 22nd Agricultural District and various horsemen's organizations in turning over symbolic shovels full of dirt in front of the winner's circle. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Del Mar Racetrack Debuts Polytrack Racing Surface Feb 1, 2007
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club showed off the new Polytrack material Wednesday that will be used on the racetrack's surface. The track's racing season begins in July. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
