Out for Fun on Day at the Races

“Go! Go! Go!”

That’s the mantra at Del Mar racetrack, where you can hear thousands of bettors screaming as their thoroughbred picks near the finish line.

The Los Alamitos Race Course may be closer for many Orange County fans, but Del Mar is clearly the destination for those interested in world-class thoroughbred racing. With a view of the beach from the grandstands, Del Mar is considered by many to be California’s most beautiful track. Santa Anita Park, resting at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Arcadia, with its friezes of galloping thoroughbreds, fountains and ornate balconies, is a state historical landmark. But it’s tough beating the stunning geography of Del Mar.

At least that’s what Linda Barbera thinks.

“It’s my favorite [because] it has so much style. It’s just nice whenever you come out and just about wherever you sit,” said Barbera, who lives in Dana Point and visits the track at least once a week during its summer meet. She usually grabs a clubhouse box but sometimes sets up near the Pacific Pavilion in the track’s infield.

But Del Mar’s looks aren’t what brought her out Monday. It was the chance to boost the bank account. “I’ve been watching some of these [horses] for a while now and think I’ve got a few winners lined up,” she explained.

By the seventh race, though, no luck. Barbera sighed, gathered up her Racing Form and handicapping notes and started toward one of the bars. “We still have some races left,” she said. “I’m always optimistic that we can come back. If not, what’s the point?”

Her boyfriend, Rudy Hayes, from San Clemente, was also hopeful. He’s even more of a die-hard than Barbera, regularly hitting Del Mar a few times a week. “It’s just a fun place to hang out,” he said, then considered that they hadn’t won all day. “Hey, we’ll win eventually. Sometimes you just have to be patient and try again.”

Call (619) 755-1141 or go online at https://www.dmtc.com for more information on the Del Mar track.