Thoroughbred Club (DMTC), had long wanted Del Mar to host a million-dollar race. In 1991, the Pacific Classic came into being, and Mabee’s horse Best Pal won the race, a fitting tribute to a man who raced more horses at Del Mar than anyone on record. After that meet, the wrecking ball came in to make way for construction of a new grandstand.
CHROME AND BEHOLDER RETURN TO DEL MAR
“Bing was a good singer,” Harper points out, “but not a great grandstand builder.” The state let them assemble their own team of designers and contractors, without interference. “So … we spent 100 million dollars and built a state-ofthe-art design.” The grandstand is two-sided, with balconies and restaurants on the back side overlooking the paddocks, in addition to those trackside; and amenities abound.
In a move sure to please SoCal race fans, Perry Martin, primary owner of America’s all-time richest ($12,532,650 in winnings) racehorse California Chrome, told Harper that he’s looking forward to running Chrome at least twice in the upcoming meet, first in the San Diego Handicap on July 23rd, and likely in the Pacific Classic on August 20th. Beholder, the lightning-fast mare who trounced the males in last year’s Pacific Classic, is being pointed for the race again, setting up a showdown for the ages between two of the best racehorses in the world. Del Mar and the Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita, are offering a $1 million bonus to any horse that can sweep the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, the Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
In November, 2017, Del Mar will make history again, hosting its first Breeders’ Cup, a huge coup for a small and beautiful boutique track. Thanks to Harper and his team, who orchestrated the bid for the Breeders’ Cup, the world and its best horses will travel to Del Mar, along with the international media.
From movie stars to racing legends, Harper has created a setting at the track ‘where the turf meets the surf,’ that Crosby and his pals would be proud of. High stakes, social status and galloping hooves will make this summer’s meet ( July 15 – September 5), as well as the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, years for the record books. All photos © Benoit Photo for Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
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