© Benoit Photo
The 12th running of the Bing Crosby Season breaks from the gate this Thursday, October 30 and will run through Sunday, November 30. Named for the track’s iconic founder, the 16-day racing program will feature 20 stakes worth more than $3 million in purses.
Opening Weekend’s agenda includes Del Mar’s fourth hosting of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships as the two-day event featuring more than $34 million in purses across 14 Grade 1 stakes, returns to the seaside oval on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. Five championship races will be conducted Friday with nine more – including America’s richest race, the $7-million Breeders’ Cup Classic – on tap for Saturday’s card. The World Championships are returning to “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” for the second consecutive year, as Del Mar once again hosts the world’s top horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys. The 2024 edition set a new global wagering record of $203.7 million.
Six of Del Mar’s 20 stakes races will be held during Opening Weekend – one on Thursday, four on Breeders’ Cup Friday and one on Breeders’ Cup Saturday – with the remainder of the stakes schedule falling throughout the final four weeks of the meet. The season will conclude with the return of the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival, featuring seven turf stakes, six graded, worth $1.3 million in purses, held over Closing Weekend on November 28 through November 30.
“Having the Breeders’ Cup return to Del Mar is an honor we don’t take lightly,” said David Jerkens, Senior Vice President of Racing. “Kicking off our fall season with the World Championships is a tremendous way to begin, and we look forward to carrying that momentum through the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival on Closing Weekend.”
Del Mar will host a stellar offering of special events throughout the 16-day season, many of them on Saturdays. They include “College Day” (Sat., Nov 8); “Uncorked: Derby Days Wine Fest” (Sat., Nov. 15); “BBQ, Bourbon & Beer” (Sat., Nov 22) and “Family Fun Day” (Fri., Nov. 28). On Sunday, November 23, the track has once again partnered with Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps to offer free admission for all attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy or monetary donation for the kids’ fundraiser.
After Opening Weekend, all Fridays will offer seniors free admission, free program and a free seat, while Sundays are “Free & Fun Sundays,” offering all Diamond Club members free admission, free program and a free seat, alongside half-off Michelob ULTRA, Brandt Beef hot dogs and sodas at concession stands. For an elevated experience on Sundays, “Taste of the Turf Club” will again partner with the Amaya Restaurant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar to bring an all-new curated menu paired with bottomless mimosas or madras, set against the breathtaking views from the exclusive Turf Club.
Following Opening Weekend, the remaining four weeks will offer eight-race cards on all weekdays and nine-race cards on all weekends. First post on all racing days will be 12:30 p.m.