Del Mar Horse Races Fall Season 2025 Guide

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Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
|
Date:
Oct 30, 2025 to Nov 30, 2025
Hours:
Gates Typically Open at 11:00 am with first post at 12:30 pm
Cost:
Tickets Starting at $13
The Del Mar Racetrack’s Bing Crosby 2025 fall season is packed with thrilling races & special events, highlighted by the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Key Takeaways

Kristina Cappetta
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Del Mar Horse Races Fall Season
Fall Horse Races 2025
Tickets & Hotel Info
The Fall Racing Schedule
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Track Entertainment

Highlights

Del Mar Horse Races Fall Season
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips
Del Mar Horse Races Fall Season
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips

Racing into the Season: Del Mar's Bing Crosby Fall Season is Here!

Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred ClubDel Mar Horse Races on Grass Turf

The summer may be over, but things are just heating up at the Del Mar Racetrack.

The 12th running of the Bing Crosby Fall Season is about to kick off with a bang in 2025 featuring the Breeders’ Cup Championships on Opening Weekend! Del Mar will once again host the top horses, trainers, owners, and jockeys for an incredible season ahead!

When is the Bing Crosby 2025 Autumn Season?

The fall horse racing season runs from Thursday, October 30th to Sunday, November 30th, 2025, at which time the track will close again until the start of next year’s summer season.

I personally think the Bing Crosby Fall Season is the best time to visit the track, especially if you can go during Opening Weekend or the Breeders’ Cup World Championship 2-day event. The energy will be through the roof, it’s completely family-friendly, and I promise you it will be totally worth your time!

What is the Fall Racing Season Highlight?

The highlight of the 2025 Bing Crosby Fall Season will undoubtedly be the 2-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships scheduled for opening weekend on October 31st and November 1st, 2025.

For the fourth time and second year in a row, Del Mar, ‘Where the Turf Meets the Surf’, will host the sport’s most prestigious event, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

You can expect 14 championship races and more than $34 million in purses and awards with five championship races on Friday and a whopping nine more on Saturday. The highlight for me will surely be America’s richest race, the $7-million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday afternoon.

If you’d like tickets to the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships, check out BreedersCup.com for more information.

A Seasonal Tradition Returns

The Del Mar Race Track Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) is among the best-known names in horse racing. It attracts hundreds of competitors and thousands of attendees to its location at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which is also the site of the San Diego County Fair.

Many come to try their luck, placing their bets and hoping for a piece of the winning prize pool.

Even if you, like me, aren’t much for betting, it’s still lots of fun to watch the races and root for your favorite horses and jockeys. Plus, the Bing Crosby season includes community-centric events that are great for families in Del Mar, starting on opening week and continuing through the rest of the fall season.

Local Tips
Score Free Entry with the Diamond Club
Join the track’s FREE Diamond Club for big perks. Get free admission on Opening Day (Oct 30) and on every “Free & Fun Sunday.” You’ll also get discounts on other tickets, food, and drinks. It's the easiest way to save money and enjoy the fall season at Del Mar like a true local.

Tickets, Memberships, Hotels & More!

Whether you’re heading out to a mid-season race or want to attend a special event like the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, there will be a ticket option for every budget.

While tickets are available at the box office, I’d recommend that you buy your tickets ahead of time so you don’t miss out! The Del Mar Racetrack has partnered with SeatGeek in 2025 to make the ticket process easy and convenient!

Where Can I Buy Tickets and How Much Do They Cost?

Tickets for individual race days as well as special events can be purchased on the event website.

Prices will vary depending on which event you attend with some race day tickets are as low as $13. Prices depend on what day you want to go and where you want to sit ranging from General Admission to Stretch Run, Clubhouse Reserved Seating, and Box Seating.

The affordability of this event is just one of the many reasons why I really love visiting the track with my family!

Entrance to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Entrance to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Turf Club Season Membership

For the big races fans out there, the Turf Club Membership is the ultimate way to experience both seasons at the Del Mar Racetrack.

Members receive Summer and Fall Bing Crosby season access to exclusive Turf Club areas and amenities including the Turf Club Lounge which has wagering, food & beverage service, a special Turf Club Parking Pass, guest pass access for friends ($60 per pass), and level four Turf Club table reservations.

There is an application process online. The price is $1,220 for a single and $1,720 for a family.

Are There Special Ticket Promotions this Fall?

Yes! Every Friday, beginning November 7th, seniors ages 62 and over will receive FREE admission, a racing program, and a seat when they present valid I.D. at designated admission gates.

Join the Diamond Club

Joining the Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Diamond Club was a no brainer for me!

Free to join, you’ll receive free opening day admission on October 30th, a $4 discount on Bing Crosby general admission tickets at the gate, plus food and beverage discounts.

Also, Sundays will be “Free & Fun Sundays,” offering all Diamond Club members free admission, a program and a seat. There will also be half-off Michelob ULTRA, Brandt Beef hot dogs and sodas at the concession stands.

Kids and Active Military Discounts

I have teenagers and love the fact that kids 17 & under can receive free admission to the track as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If we want to buy grandstand seats, my teenagers get discounted tickets.

Active and retired military members and their dependents can receive free general admission daily with valid military I.D while supplies last. Just bring your I.D. to the Stretch Run gate and the staff will take care of you!

Beautiful Hotels Near the Del Mar Racetrack

If you’re planning on attending during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, or any weekend during the Bing Crosby Fall Racing Season, then reserving a nice hotel is a fantastic idea!

My favorite hotels near the track are the recently renovated, 3-star Winners Circle Resort, convenient and upscale Hilton San Diego / Del Mar, and luxurious 4-star L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa.

The location of the Winners Circle Resort can’t be beat at just a 5-minute walk away, plus it has clean and spacious rooms, an amazing hot tub, and poolside barbecue grills. The Hilton San Diego / Del Mar is less than a mile away with an awesome outdoor seating area and firepits. L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa is your luxury choice featuring estate-style rooms, delicious on-site dining, and beautiful oceanfront views from room balconies.

Giraffe Sign at the San Diego Zoo
Giraffe Sign at the San Diego Zoo

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The 5-star, luxury accommodations of L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa make it the perfect fit for any couples' vacation or upscale getaway. Watch as Todd tours its ocean view pool and soothing spa.

Stay at the L'Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa
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Winners Circle Resort
Exterior view of Winners Circle Resort
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2025 Bing Crosby Fall Season Racing Highlights

The racing season officially kicked off this summer, which is when the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club held its major Opening Day celebration with its annual hat contest and special festivities.

However, there are still some fun events as the fall season begins, too!

Race Track at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Race Track at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Kickoff Week

Mark your calendars because the Del Mar Opening Day for the 2025 Bing Crosby Season is set for Thursday, October 30th, 2025.

In addition to a full slate of races, Opening Day also features the Horse Racing Women's Association Pay It Forward Program designed for ‘the professional and personal development of women in horse racing’. Plus, it’s the final day to attend Daybreak at Del Mar in the lead-up to one of the biggest events of the season.

Gates open at 11:00 am, with the first post at 12:30 pm. Opening Day is also a Diamond Club Day, which means members of the Del Mar track’s Diamond Club can attend for free.

Six of the fall season’s 20 stakes races will be on Opening Weekend – the first on Thursday, four more on Breeders’ Cup Friday, and one on Breeders’ Cup Saturday.

Del Mar Horse Races on Grass Turf
Del Mar Horse Races on Grass Turf

2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships

One of, if not the most popular events of the Bing Crosby season is the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. It takes place on October 31st and November 1st. This is the fourth time the cup will be held at this track, with 14 championship races spread across the two days.

This is one of the largest and most well-known horse racing events in the country, which I’d say is right up there with the Triple Crown races - Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. It is also one of the two wealthiest days in sports. Over the entire weekend, $34 million is paid out in purses and awards.

Breeders' Cup World Championships - Special Tickets

Depending on how much you want to spend and the experience you’re looking for, know that there are different ticketing options for the Breeders’ Cup events.

You can choose from reserved seating, box seating, or general admission. You’ll want to purchase your tickets directly through BreedersCup.com.

Noteworthy Races and Stakes

Throughout the month of November, the Del Mar Racetrack will host a full season of races and other family-friendly activities.

After the festivities of Opening Day, which include the Let it Ride Stakes, there are several major races being held on October 31st. These are:

  • Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes
  • Senator Ken Maddy Stakes
  • Golden State Juvenile Stakes
  • Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes

November 1st brings the Goldikova Stakes to the track featuring three-year-olds & up fillies & mares.

Here’s the lineup for the rest of the month:

  • Nov. 8th: The Chosen Vron Stakes
  • Nov. 9th: Betty Grable Stakes
  • Nov. 15th: Desi Arnaz Stakes
  • Nov. 16th: Bob Hope Stakes (Grade III)
  • Nov. 22nd: Native Diver Stakes (Gr. III)
  • Nov. 23rd: Red Carpet Stakes (Gr. III)
  • Nov. 28th: Hollywood Turf Cup (Gr. II)

November 29th is another packed day, with nine races and three stakes:

  • Hollywood Derby (Gr. I)
  • Seabiscuit Handicap (Gr. II)
  • Jimmy Durante Stakes (Gr. III)

Final Races and Farewell Events

The season will conclude on with the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival held over Closing Weekend from Friday, November 28th until Closing Day on Sunday, November 30th, 2025. You can expect to see seven turf stakes, six graded, worth $1.3 million in purses

Gates open at 11:00am with the first post set for 12:30pm.

Closing Day is a major day for betting, as the track offers mandatory payouts for all wagers rather than their usual jackpot-style wager.

The Last Stakes

Closing Day has four major stakes, ensuring a thrilling end to the season. These are:

  • Matriarch Stakes (Gr. I)
  • Cecil B. Demille Stakes (Gr. III)
  • Stormy Liberal Stakes
  • Bayakoa Stakes (Gr. III)

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Del Mar Racetrack Special Events

As exciting as any horse race alone can be, there are also a number of family-friendly special events and some track entertainment I’d like to tell you about.

Great Wine at the Uncorked San Diego Wine Festival
Great Wine at the Uncorked San Diego Wine Festival

What Can Visitors Do Besides Watching the Races?

From festivals to charity drives, there’s something going on every weekend of the fall season at the racetrack.

If you like to eat like me, then there are also many dining options with my favorites being the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant, Stretch Run Grill, Space Dust Celebrity Grill, and Pacifico Porch.

College Day

College students who are Diamond Club members can get a complimentary first $2 bet and tipsheet during College Day, set for Saturday, November 8th, 2025.

Plus, if you’re a college student you can also get free admission with a valid college I.D. with Grand Stand Seating.

Uncorked Wine Festival

The Uncorked Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 15th, 2025 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. You’ll have the chance to sip more than 100 different wines while enjoying live music and tasty treats from area food trucks. This is a 21 and over event.

Non-drinker tickets are $37, General Admission is $79, and Early Admission costs $95.

BBQ, Bourbon & Beer

Set for Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 from 12:00pm until 4:00pm, the track will host a BBQ, Bourbon & Beer event that I'm excited to attend.

Located trackside at the West end of the Grandstand, they’re selling a 5 drink tasting wristband for $15 and BBQ will be available for purchase.

Toys for Tots Charity Event

The Del Mar Racetrack has once again partnered with Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps to provide free admission on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 for anyone that brings a new, unwrapped toy or who makes a monetary donation to support the fundraiser.

Be on the lookout for donation bins located just outside the admission gates.

Del Mar Horse Races where the Turf Meets the Surf
Del Mar Horse Races where the Turf Meets the Surf

Family Fun Day

Don’t miss out on Family Fun Day on Friday, November 28th from 12:00pm until 4:00pm. Activities include inflatable games, face painting, rock climbing walls, and more!

Admission is free as always for children 17 & under. All children must have a parent or guardian with them.

Additional Featured Events

The weekly Taste of the Turf Club runs every Sunday, with brunch offerings and bottomless mimosas accompanying stunning Del Mar Turf Club seating.

There are also Weekend Handicapping Seminars held most Saturdays and Sundays that offer betting advice and an analysis of the races happening that day.

Sunday, November 30th, 2025 marks the end of the fall season and the closure of the Del Mar Racetrack until next year’s summer reopening. To help bid the races goodbye, you can also join the Closing Day festivities.

Parking & Transportation

Ride the San Diego to North County
Ride the San Diego to North County

Whether you want to drive and park or prefer other transportation options, there are a number of easy and convenient ways to get to the Del Mar Racetrack.

Driving to the Track

The Del Mar Racetrack is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, California 92014.

Del Mar is easily accessible from either I-5 or Highway 101. Take Via de La Valle on the boundary between Solana Beach and Del Mar. You’ll find the track between the highway and the freeway. The main entrance is off Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Where Can I Park and How Much Does it Cost?

Del Mar Racetrack parking is easy to find and right onsite!

2025 parking rates are $10 per vehicle and $20 on Opening Day. Preferred parking is $20 and $35 on Opening Day.

You can also valet with the standard rate costing $25. You can expect the rate to be more for special events like the Breeder’s Cup Race Weekend.

Speaking of the Breeder’s Cup Race Weekend (Oct. 31- Nov. 1), parking for that special event will be sold in advance. Pass prices range from $55 to $66 on Friday and $83 to $94 per pass on Saturday. You can buy the passes on the event site.

It’s good to know that re-entry is not allowed when you leave the facility. I also always recommend checking directly with the racetrack for the latest parking prices as the rates can change based on when you visit.

Public Transportation

If you don’t want to worry about driving and parking, you can take a Breeze bus, Amtrak, Pacific Surfliner, or hop on the Coaster. The Coaster runs along the north coast from Oceanside to Downtown San Diego.

Amtrak and Coaster trains both stop at the Solana Beach station. The Del Mar Racetrack offers free shuttles to and from the track on race days from there. Just look for the free shuttle when you get off at the Solana Beach station.

You can also buy a ‘Pony Express Package’ which includes discounted round-trip train fare and race admission.

If you choose a rideshare option, the drop-off and pickup lot is on Jimmy Durante Blvd.

One additional tip is to know that Epic Limo Bus provides limo bus and charter bus transportation to the Del Mar Racetrack which can be a very convenient way to get to and from the track.

Is There Handicapped Parking?

Yes, ADA accessible parking is available onsite.

You need an official pre-paid parking pass (for special events) combined with either an official ADA hangtag displayed from your rear-view mirror or an official state-issued ADA license plate. If you need help getting from the parking lots to the gates, mobility assistant carts are available.

Know Before You Go

Backside of Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Backside of Stands at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

From clothing ideas to prohibited items, hours of operation and more, our team at Go Visit San Diego team has some final tips and things we think you should know before you go!

What Items are Prohibited?

The Del Mar Racetrack prohibits visitors from having many items for their safety and for the safety of all guests. These include:

  • Outside chairs
  • Drones
  • Weapons
  • Fireworks
  • Duffel bags
  • Wagons
  • Signs

For a complete list of prohibited items, visit the event site.

Allowed Items

Cell phones and cameras that don’t have detachable lenses or lenses of 6” or more are allowed, as well as camcorders. You can also bring in strollers, purses, and backpacks (no larger than 13”x 9”x17”). Seat cushions smaller than 15”x15” that do not contain metal arms and/or backs are allowed, as well as binoculars.

Service animals are allowed as long as they meet ADA requirements.

Is There a Dress Code at the Del Mar Racetrack?

While there is no strict dress code, you won’t want to show up in sweats and a t-shirt!

Business casual is usually the way to go. Many women tend to wear dresses and often an elaborate hat and accessories. For men, a sports coat is a preferred piece of clothing. Denim should be tailored and you won’t want to wear shorts, flip flops, athletic outfits, t-shirts, or ripped, torn, or oversized jeans.

If you’re going to the Breeders’ Cup events, some attendees opt for the matching purple and yellow color scheme. If that’s not your favorite, you can keep it more traditional with other colors but I’d personally recommend that for Breeder’s Cup Weekend in particular, you dress up a bit!

What are the Track’s Hours of Operation?

Hours change daily. Some days they will open at 9:00am or noon and other days they open at 3:00pm. They are also closed on select days during the week.

Each week is a little different so I’d suggest that you check before heading to the racetrack.

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