Race attendees observe women’s colorful derby hats during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack on. By 3 p.m. Wednesday, over 20,000 Southern California horse racing fans were in attendance. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
Vanessa Hewko, center, watches as her friend, Christine Amoore, takes photographs on her cell phone during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
Crowds move toward their seats during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack on July 17, 2013 in Del Mar, California. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
Tom Barrett and Belinda Berry of Contra Costa County cheer cheer for their favorite rider during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
Joe Lademan, left, and Joe Berry, right, make their final bets during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
Julien Couton rides his horse, Mr. Phalaris, out to the track before the start of the first race during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
An outrider watches as horses leave the gate during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
Karla Miguel, left, and Berlin Rodriguez, center, cheer for their favorite rider during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
A women walks to her seat during the opening day of horse racing at the Del Mar racetrack. (Susannah Kay / Los Angeles Times)
