For its 86th summer season, Del Mar has concocted a schedule filled with food-centric festivities, sips, handicapping and tips, blended in with world-class thoroughbred racing.

The meet begins July 18 and continues through Sept. 7, which includes 31 days of action.

The racing cards will be stacked with many of the top names in the sport, especially as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will return to Del Mar this fall for the second consecutive year, and the fourth time overall.

Del Mar Vice President and Racing Secretary David Jerkens said that in years when the track hosts the Breeders’ Cup, it seems there is an uptick in horses shipping from other areas of the country that try to get experience over the surface ahead of the international event.

“I’m optimistic that will be the case again this year,” Jerkens said.

Among the horses expected to be on the grounds this summer – although their next races have yet to be announced – are Preakness hero Journalism and fellow Triple Crown race veteran Baeza. Jerkens added that Nysos, who has emerged as one of the leading older horses in the country, is scheduled for a start in the Grade II, $300,000 San Diego Handicap on July 26, and another top runner, Raging Torrent, is pointing to the Grade II, $250,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes on Aug. 23.

The track’s signature race – the Grade I, $1 million Pacific Classic – will be contested on Aug. 30.

Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March. Larry Collmus – who has been the track announcer for the fall meet since 2020 – will now fill the summertime role, as well. Racegoers can meet “the voice of the Triple Crown” and watch him on the job by signing up for the Collmus Calls for CARMA fundraiser on race days; go to www.dmtc.com/tickets/detail/collmus-calls-for-carma.

While much of Del Mar centers on racing, it’s not just the turf where visitors will find activity.

“Overall, the (event) lineup is packed from top to bottom,” said Chris Bahr, Del Mar’s director of events and promotions. “We’ve got discounts, Family Fun Day, you can go fancy in the Turf Club, you can come out and watch workouts at Daybreak at Del Mar, and there are exciting food and beverage events.”

New this year is Savory Sundays, slated to go from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the Plaza de Mexico. Local restaurants such as Pizza Port, Monarch Ocean Pub, Ranch 45 and others will take turns selling their specialty items; visitors can also enjoy live music, $5 Kona beers and $10 off select signature drinks.

The event ‘superfecta’

Bahr noted the return of the following four ticketed events, which have become staples of the summer season and will be held on the west end of the grandstand:

• July 19 – Beer Festival: More than 50 brews, ciders and seltzers will be available for sampling, along with gourmet food for purchase. Early bird general admission is $38; otherwise, it’s $43. Five beer tickets are included.

• Aug. 2 – Uncorked Wine Festival: There will be more than 150 wines from around the world for patrons to select from and sip, while local vendors will sell gourmet bites. The price to enter the event at 1 p.m. is $95, and it drops to $79 for those who prefer to begin their experience an hour later. The cost for nondrinkers is $32. A portion of each ticket sale will go toward Urban Surf 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk and foster children through water and surf therapy.

• Aug. 9 – Tacos & Tequila Festival: Guests can delight in specialty tequilas, margaritas and cervezas along with tacos from area shops. The $60 early admission option allows for entry at 1 p.m. and grants five drink tickets and two taco tickets. For $44, people may enter at 2 p.m. and still receive five drink tickets. Food is sold separately.

• Aug. 23 – Taste of New Orleans: It’s a Big Easy party, with Cajun music, bead vendors, a mini parade, the Rad Hatter and plenty of food and beverages – from frozen daquiris and hurricanes to jambalaya and beignets. Early bird pricing for adults 21 and older is $40, and will eventually go up to $45; five drink tickets are included. Children 10 and younger are free, while those ages 11 to 20 can enter for $10. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit LSU Alumni of San Diego. Food is sold separately.

All of these events include racetrack admission in the cost. To buy tickets, go to dmtc.com.

‘Challenge’ accepted?

Two contests await horseplayers who want to test their handicapping skills.

First will be the on-track Betting Challenge, to be held July 25-26. It has a $6,000 buy-in, which includes a $4,000 live bankroll, and $2,000 will go toward the prize pool. There will be $250,000 in prizes, including cash and entries to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, 2025 Pacific Classic Betting Challenge and 2026 National Horseplayers Challenge (NHC) seats.

The second will be the Pacific Classic Betting Challenge on Aug. 30, and participants can participate at the track or through TVG.com. It’s a $4,000 buy-in, with $3,000 designated for the live bankroll and $1,000 for the prize pool. There will be $150,000 in prizes – as with the Betting Challenge, the top players will receive cash and be granted seats in other contests.

Contact Bahr at chris@dmtc.com for contest questions; registration information can be found at dmtc.com.

Looking forward to fall

The Breeders’ Cup – which will feature 14 championship races and more than $34 million in purses – will return to Del Mar on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

In honor of its return, the track will give away 16 oz. stainless steel purple tumblers with the event logo to racing fans on Aug. 16.

They are free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Everyone has a way to play

Del Mar provides activities for all ages, including children and young adults.

On Aug. 31, there will be a Family Fun Day filled with free kid-friendly attractions, from inflatable games and bungee trampolines to face painters and rock climbing walls. Del Mar’s mascot, Pony Boy, also will be mingling with the crowd.

Later in the week, on Sept. 6, the track will host College Day. Students who present a valid college ID will receive free admission, access to grandstand seating in the third-floor Stretch Run area, and $2 off Red Bull. Those who are Diamond Club members can also get a complimentary $2 bet and tip sheet, enhancing their experience as horseplayers.

Classic Del Mar

The seaside oval will be bringing back a number of recurring events throughout the season. These include Taste of the Turf Club on Sundays, Free & Easy Thursdays for Diamond Club members, Turf Club Friday and Happy Hour Friday specials, handicapping seminars and Daybreak at Del Mar on weekends, Sing With Bing each race day, and Seniors Days on Aug. 3 and 24.

Finally, Closing Day on Sept. 7 will offer mandatory payouts for all wagers.

“The surest bet this summer is fun,” Bahr said.

Del Mar racetrack 2025 season

• Dates: July 18-Sept. 7

• Location: Via de la Valle and Jimmy Durante Boulevard

• Post time: Opening Day (July 18)-2 p.m.; Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays-2 p.m. July 19-Aug. 28, 1:30 p.m. Aug. 30-Sept. 7; Fridays-4 p.m. July 25-Aug. 8, 3 p.m. Aug. 15-Sept. 5; Labor Day (Sept. 1)-1:30 p.m.

• General Admission: Daily-$10, Diamond Club-$5, Opening Day-$73; free for 17 and younger and active military

• Parking: General-$10, Preferred-$20, Valet-$30; Opening Day: General-$20, Preferred-$35, Valet-$50

• Information: (858) 755-1141, dmtc.com