Del Mar’s fall racing season, known as the Bing Crosby meet, is set to begin on November 6 and run through November 29, bringing back a Thanksgiving Day program for the first time in several years. The track will host 13 days of racing, primarily on Fridays through Sundays, with the special holiday card on Thanksgiving Day, November 26.
This year's meet features $2.1 million in stakes races. David Jerkens, Del Mar’s senior vice president for racing and racing secretary, highlighted the track’s commitment to its grass course, stating that "Our lineup is the best in America during that period." While some stakes races occur early in the meet, eight of them, including two Grade I events, are scheduled for the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival during the final four days of the season.
The return of Thanksgiving Day racing on November 26 is a notable highlight. Chris Bahr, Del Mar’s director of events and promotions, noted that they are "excited to have racing back on Thanksgiving." The day’s featured event will be the $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes for fillies and mares. First post for races on Thanksgiving is an early 11 a.m. For those looking for a holiday meal, the Turf Club will offer a three-course menu with bottomless mimosas for $184 per person. Reservations can be made through the track’s website.
Before the thoroughbreds take to the track on Thanksgiving, the Family Fun Run invites community members to complete a 1-mile lap around the oval. Registration starts at 7 a.m., with the run's "post time" at 8 a.m. Pre-race activities include games, face painting, holiday arts and crafts, entertainment, and complimentary doughnuts and water. Participants receive souvenir medallions and can take photos in the winner's circle. Entry fees, ranging from $16 to $24, will benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center and its Therapeutic Riding program.
Among the new offerings this season is the Taco & Beer Festival, scheduled for November 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Stretch Run Apron West. Race attendees can purchase tastings of beer, seltzer, and cider, to be paired with tacos from local vendors. Tequila sampling with Patron will also be available. Five drink tickets and a souvenir cup cost $17.50, with food sold separately. Another new promotion, the Jockey Box, is located on the second floor of the Stretch Run. Del Mar is partnering with Oggi’s to provide 25% off pizza and track signature drinks every Friday at this location.
Several familiar Del Mar traditions are also returning. Opening weekend features College Day on Saturday, November 7, offering free admission and seating for students with valid IDs. That same day, Data On Us allows bettors to sign up for free handicapping information. On Saturday, November 14, Uncorked Derby Days invites guests 21 and older to "sip and swirl" from the Seaside Cabana, including a Derby Dame & Dapper Dan Fashion Contest. Tickets range from $84 to $100, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Urban Surf 4 Kids.
On November 22, the Toys for Tots campaign offers free racetrack admission to those who bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a cash donation. The season’s final days include Family Fun Day on November 27, featuring activities such as rock climbing walls, an inflatable game zone, and mini golf. On November 28, the Betting Challenge offers a $3,000 buy-in and an expected $125,000 in prizes.
Racegoers can also take advantage of ongoing promotions. Free Diamond Club membership includes perks like free admission on Opening Day, November 6. Fridays are Seniors’ Days, providing free admission, a seat, and a racing program for those 62 and older. Sundays offer "Free & Fun" for Diamond Club members, with free admission, seats, a program, and 25% off select food and Michelob ULTRA drafts. Chris Bahr remarked that "There’s a lot happening on Fridays," mentioning Wine Down, which offers 50% off select bottles in restaurants and the Turf Club. Weekend Wagering Seminars, providing analysis from horsemen and handicappers, are scheduled every Saturday and Sunday in the Plaza de Mexico. Sundays also feature the Taste of the Turf Club, with bottomless mimosas and a three-course "farm-to-table" menu for $184.
The fall meet concludes on November 29 with mandatory payouts for all wagers. Chris Bahr noted that "The fall meet has a different vibe than summer – it’s more relaxed. Some locals prefer it more." He added that it will be "jam-packed with exciting events as always and promotions."
Del Mar is located at Via de la Valle and Jimmy Durante Boulevard. General admission is $8, or $4 for Diamond Club members. Admission is free for those 17 and younger, and for active duty or retired military personnel. The regular post time is 12:30 p.m., with the special 11 a.m. post time on Thanksgiving.