‘And away they go’ for the 85th summer racing season at Del Mar

It was the 85th summer of racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and the fashion-conscious crowd was out in full force, dressed to the nines from head to toe. Opening Day is always like a fashion show, with spectators showing off their stylish hats and dresses while placing bets on their favorite horses.

Although the race track can hold 44,000 people, this year they capped it at 22,484 to ensure a better experience for everyone. For the first time, Opening Day was held on a Saturday, and the sold-out crowd was buzzing with excitement. Trevor Denman, the iconic voice of the race track, returned for his 40th year.

The crowd was a sea of the latest fashion trends. Pink was the color of the day, especially fuchsia, thanks to the influence of the 2023 “Barbie” movie that is still trending. Bright colors like orange, blue, and cherry red also made a splash, while many racegoers opted for classic black or white dresses. Polka dots were a standout trend among the fashionistas.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the popular Opening Day Hat Contest, with over 150 contestants competing for cash and prizes worth more than $4,000. The categories included Most Glamorous, Best Fascinator, Best Flowers, and Best Racing/All Others Theme, with first, second, and third-place winners in each.

Randi Zakrzewski from San Diego took home the grand prize and first place in the Best Flowers category. She won a one-night stay and meal for two at Rancho Resort & Spa, a gift basket, and a $300 cash prize, totaling $1,800 in value. Akilah Templeton, also from San Diego, dazzled the judges in the “Most Glamorous” category with her emerald green hat that perfectly matched her old Hollywood glamour ensemble.

Violet Oughton from Laguna Niguel won first prize for the Best Fascinator with an elegant and feminine design. Lori Shelton from Scripps Ranch returned to claim first place in the Best Racing Theme category. Her hat, featuring over 700 tiny teal and large yellow roses arranged in the classic Del Mar diamond pattern, was a true showstopper.

The racing season continues until Sept. 8, with the highlight being the Pacific Classic Day on Aug. 31. For more information, visit dmtc.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Through Aug. 4: “A Splendid Decennium: Victorian to Vanguard” featuring the art of Marty Ornish. This exhibit has been extended for three months at the Villa Montezuma Museum (villamontezumamuseum.org) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Call or text 619-233-8833 for tour reservations.

Saturday, Aug. 17 – St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center will play host to Couture Haute with Heart Fashion and Luncheon at Hilton San Diego Bayfront starting at 10 a.m. For tickets: https://bit.ly/3Y2VyVJ.

Saturday, Aug. 17 – SB Fashion Week Runway Show and Vendor Market from 6:30-9 p.m. at 820 Island Ave. Small business pop-up shop and runway show featuring international brands. Tickets: https://bit.ly/3S86YUF.

Sunday, Sept. 8 – Fall in LOVE with Fashion with “Project Runway” designer Gordana Gehlhausen from 4-8 p.m. at 2919 Hill Valley Drive in Escondido. Benefits the Berry Good Food Foundation — tickets are at https://bit.ly/4ffIO4D.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.