Del Mar Racetrack attendance increases

The 70th season of racing at Del Mar ended Sept. 9 with the Party in the Paddock. Due to the five-day race schedule, added entertainment and weekly promotions, this year’s daily average attendance was up by 7.4 percent, with an average of 17,181 attendees per day, the best final daily average attendance since Inter Track Wagering was introduced in 1988.

The track also saw the highest sing-day attendance in its history with an Opening Day crowd of 44,907.

The on-track average daily handle increased this year by 5.8 percent, with a mark of $2,292,284 per afternoon.

“We pride ourselves on taking chances and providing the best thoroughbred racing and entertainment at Del Mar,” said Joe Harper, president and general manager of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “This season we made the decision to have a five-day race week and the response was overwhelmingly positive.”

Celebrities and athletes spotted at the track this year included: Carrie Prejean, Audrina Patridge, Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Boller, Jeff Garcia, Shaun Phillips, Brad Penny, Bo Derek and Wilmer Valderrama.