Locale's Guide to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club by Locale Magazine

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A D M IT O N E

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A A

PT. SEASON ENDS SE

TH 2 0 1 3 W E D . JU LY 1 7 4, , 2013

!! O P E N IN G D AY

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club C a l i f.

UIDE TO A COMPLETE G

DE L M AR

ATT Y A AY DA D presents

THE WORLD’S MOST REFRESHING BEER.

Opening Day Del Mar isn’t some hoity-toity elitist club. It’s an arena of spirited party-goers hanging out under the California sun enjoying a sport that can only be experienced in the San Diego track setting within a few summer weeks. Opening day, July 17th, is undoubtedly the grandest party of them all. With an expected 47,000 “partiers” in attendance, the racetrack illuminates into an epic social scene. From enthusiasts to patrons to celebrities to tourists, this commencement week joins together Hollywood royals and San Diego scholars. That’s the beauty of this sport – it’s not selective. Anyone and everyone can participate in a good ol’ round of “I’m feeling lucky today.” JULY 17TH, 2013

WHAT TO WEAR

Still not sure exactly what look or brand to go for? Then try one of these local shopping destinations for the variety of styles you’ll need: The Forum Carlsbad, a beautiful and expansive outdoor mall offering shopping (for men, women and kids – the store list is exhaustive, with top brand names), dining and entertainment. 1923 Calle Barcelona | Carlsbad, CA 92009 theforumcarlsbad.com

Another triad of stylish shopping, delicious dining, and fun is Flower Hill Promenade, where you’ll find looks for guys, gals and even the kids, all in a beautiful outdoor setting. Our favorite is TRE Boutique, a great boutique for all the best trends from great brands like BB Dakota, BCBG and Steve Madden. 2720 Via De La Valle | Del Mar, CA 92014 www.flowerhill.com | www.facebook.com/pages/TREBoutique/128191157250187 For classic styles that will have you

looking smarter than a prize horse, try Ted Baker or Tommy Bahama at Fashion Valley mall. Debonaire lightweight menswear and dresses in all array of colors and floral blooms for the women. 7007 Friars Road | San Diego, CA 92108 www.simon.com/mall/fashion-valley Del Mar Plaza is the European-style marketplace located just a minute’s drive from the track. Walk the quaint streets and hit Banana Republic, Gary’s Studio, Gerhard ( a women’s designer boutique), or Ooh La La (a trendy women’s boutique). 1555 Camino Del Mar | Del Mar, CA 92014 858.792.1555 | www.delmarplaza.com If you’re in Del Mar and need a one stop shop with a sure bet for track tested fashions, head to Matti D. Stocked with looks for men and women, you’ll find everything from the casual cardigan and slouchy graphic tee to exquisite dresses, dapper jackets, and eccentric accessories and shoes. 2689 Via De La Valle | Del Mar, CA 92014 858-523-0693 | www.matti-d.com

OPENING DAY EVENTS + TIPS “The One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest ” – Glamorous, wild and

zany hats compete for cash prizes in the contest, now in its 19th year. Contestants vie for recognition in the following categories: Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, Funniest/Most Outrageous, Best Flowers/All Others and Best Fascinator. Anyone can enter the contest on Opening Day Recommended hat shopping: The

Village Hat Shop in Seaport Village Other tips to stay fashionable: Girls might want to bring flats in their purses, as a lot of time might be spent on their feet. Wear sunscreen: Sunburns will

occur otherwise! Transportation: Traffic and parking

can be tough on Opening Day, so a great option is to take the train and get off at the Solana Beach station. There are red double decker buses to shuttle people to the track for free, taking the stress out of getting to Del Mar.

WHAT TO

EAT

ON TR ACK

OFF TR ACK

For burgers, pizzas, fresh salads and delicious sandwiches, try one of the following: Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant Located trackside, with all the essential concessions. Stretch Run Grill You’ll see the horses as they head for the finish line. Plus, this place offers soft-serve ice cream handpacked ice cream for when the temps start to climb.

Flat Rock Eats For fresh, locally-sourced, inventive dishes covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, visit this casual American eatery. 102 Aberdeen Drive | Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 760.633.4852 | www.flatrockeats.com

To dine in a style worthy of your exquisite hat, and without missing a detail of the action or a penny of the potential winnings, try Il Palio Restaurant Trackside dining at the Penthouse level, with tons of television monitors, a wagering window, multiple cocktail bars and a beautiful patio view. Experience the track and grab a bite from the exclusive Turf Club, if you’re a member. Guests can enjoy lunch and cocktails on the level 4 terrace overlooking all the action. Celebrity treatment is guaranteed. For an eatery that looks out onto the Paddock, try one of the following: 17 Hands Located on the first floor, you’ll be right in the middle of it all. Grab a craft beer or cocktail and save room for the gourmet taco bar. Blue Moon Celebrity Grill Enjoy paddock and ocean views, a pairing menu and tons of great old vintage photos from Del Mar’s hey day. The Charlie Whittingham Pub A gathering of BBQ Pulled Pork, Hot Link Sandwiches, ice cold spirits and amazing racing memorabilia. Recommendation: order Del mar’s signature cocktail, the “Del Margarita.” The Don Julio Veranda Café For a bird’s eye view of the Paddock, this is the place, offering a giant patio and no end of Del Margaritas.

Brigantine Just across the tracks from the track with a sweeping view of Del Mar, Brigantine offers a lively oyster bar, top quality seafood dishes, award winning fish tacos, and an “all night” happy hour on Monday nights. 3263 Camino Del Mar | Del Mar, CA 858.481.1166 | www.brigantine.com Burlap “Asian Cowboy cuisine” from the lovable Executive Chef Brian Malarky paired with cocktails from Pick & Rocks. 12995 El Camino Real | Del Mar, CA 858.369.5700 | www.burlapeats.com Cucina Enoteca A new location in the Urban Kitchen family, this Flower Hill Promenade spot will have its own exclusive menu where the flavors of Italy will meld with the organic freshness of California. Opening in July 2013 | For more info, visit www.cucinaenoteca.com Sea + Smoke Opening this summer, a modern American Brasserie from Chef Matt Gordon of Urban Solace/Solace & the Moonlight Lounge. 2690 Via De La Valle #D210 | Del Mar, CA 760.753.2433 | www.seaandsmoke.com Burger Lounge Before you head home, grab a bite at Burger Lounge and say goodbye to quaint Del Mar. The menu has something for everyone, with grass-fed beef burgers and health-conscious options for vegetarian and gluten-free diners. 2720 Via de la Valle | Del Mar, CA 858.720.1200 | www.burgerlounge.com

A GUARANTEED SEAT:

NATIVE Knowledge BEHIND THE SCENES: THE PADDOCK: It’ll be a packed crowd, but try and shimmy your way in for a look at the horses, so you can get a feeling for how they look and how confident they seem before the races. THE DEL MAR STABLES: Located at the north end of the track, this is where the prices racers hangout during race day

You can reserve a seat in the Stretch Run or Clubhouse for just $5 to $10 more than the price of general admission ($15 on Opening Day) if you want a guaranteed spot to watch the races INFIELD PICNIC: Pack up some blankets and lawn chairs, get a general admission ticket, and then setup a picnic camp at the foot of the Grandstand or in the Infield (no alcohol allowed however). If you’re in the Infield, make sure to steal away to the backstretch to watch a race on the turf course.

Apparently you can hear the jockeys’ talk and jeer each other while they race past.

THE VIEWS: SEABISCUIT SKYROOM PATIO: One of the best views of the track, Del Mara and all the way to the Pacific Ocean can be found here, at the west end of the grandstands. THE GRANDSTANDS: want to be in the thick of it all, sit amongst the patrons, seasonal fans, newbies, and out-oftowners.

5 TIPS TO

BETTING BETTER

PHOTO BY NANCY VILLERE OF CRUSH PHOTO STUDIOS

Meet the fabulous and fashionable Deb Giglio, a longtime horseracing fan who now holds handicapping seminars at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to help guests learn the tricks to betting, the ins and outs of the sport, and the history of the track. To hire Deb to host your next group at Del Mar, you can call her company, The Winning Ticket at 760.473.2084. 1. Go to Beginner’s Corner on the Del Mar website. This write-up will give you an inside edge on what to expect and what to prepare for! www.dmtc.com/handicapping 2. How to Wager, also on the Del Mar site, gives you the steps of the betting process: types of bets, cost, where your horse has to finish to collect, and more!

Experience our unique California cuisine

in a comfortable setting, with great hospitality.

3. Now we get down to the basis of all bets: which horse will win the race! Everyone has an opinion and are happy to share it before the race. Start with Brad Free’s Daily Analysis available at the above link on Del Mar’s website. Brad is the Chief California Handicapper for the bible of horseracing, “the Daily Racing Form”, and his paragraph about each race is my first step in looking for a best bet or a longshot with a live chance.

I THINK THERE’S AN INTUITION THAT SPECIFICALLY WOMEN HAVE ABOUT HORSES. IF A WOMAN PICKS A HORSE BECAUSE SHE GETS A GOOD FEELING ABOUT IT OR LIKES THE WAY IT LOOKS, SHE HAS A BETTER CHANCE OF BEING RIGHT THAN MOST!”

4. Jockey and Trainer Statistics: You can find a list of the top ten jockeys and trainers at Del Mar located just after the last race in your track program. It is updated daily throughout the meet. Draw a line after the top five jockeys and trainers on the list - they will win 90% of the races during the course of a year. If you see one of these five jockeys paired with a top five trainer, that’s a good sign and worth backing at the windows. If you see a top jock on a longshot, don’t be afraid to bet him.

Photos by J. Dixx Photography

5. It’s the horse! The paddock and walking ring where the horses go before each race is where you can find “your” horse for that race. Look for attentive horses who are more concerned with the task before them. In the final analysis, it’s who you like that counts. You can tell a lot about how a horse by how it presents itself. It’s kind of like the guy you see strutting into a bar who thinks he’s the best, but when push comes to shove he can’t perform very well. If you pick a horse who is too entitled, and he doesn’t get treated the way he likes or things don’t go his way, he might just stop running and sulk. Just because a horse struts around doesn’t mean he’s a good pick to win.

THE BIG A TRUE STORY

102 Aberdeen Dr Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California 92007 760.633.4852

. FlatRockEats&Drinks . @FlatRockEats

It was a Friday afternoon in August of 2003. Jim Archbold and his buddies were longtime horseplayers, so it was no surprise to their wives that the boys were down at the racetrack drinking tequila and placing bets. The Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa was were it all began. Archbold was down $300 after a series of missed wagers. The satellite round for Del Mar was about to start, and on a whim, he asked his mates if they’d like to build a six-ponies-for-the-win ticket. At only

$26 a player, they were all in. Archbold, John Dado, Jin Arntz, Craig Miller and Scott Tucker chose Ganedyl, Gods Ear, Queenofluv, Potrisunrise, Roberta’s Mango, and Mistical Jaz for the win. The unthinkable happened. And almost ten years later, Archbold still recalls that hot Friday afternoon. Q: Tell us the story! JIM ARCHBOLD: It’s still funny to this day! We were having lunch right before heading over to the fair grounds. One of my buddies said, “Hey you know there’s “Pick-Six” a big carry at Del MEANS A TICKET THAT Mar today.” So after HAS CHOSEN THE a round of tequila WINNING HORSE IN SIX shots, many glasses CONSECUTIVE RACES. of wine, and perhaps YOU MAY CHOOSE AS a few cocktails, John MANY HORSES PER Dado and I figured RACE, BUT THAT GETS we’d just do it - build PRICEY – FAST. SO JIM AND THE GANG ONLY a ticket. So we built CHOSE TWO HORSES our pick-six ticket in PER RACE. about 5 minutes. It

THE BASIC BETS

HOW TO WIN: You must pick the winner in two consecutive races. Bet must be placed before the start of the first race.

HOW TO WIN: You must pick two horses who finish first or second (doesn’t matter the order) in a single race.

WIN: You win $ if your horse wins first place. PLACE: You win $ if your horse gets first or second place. SHOW: You win $ if your horse finishes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place.

HOW TO WIN: You must pick the horses who will finish first and second, in the exact order, in a single race.

HORSE SPEAK Just like a golf club, horse tracks have their own “lingo.” So, to avoid being called-out or being labeled as a noob, we have outlined a list of frequently used terms that hopefully hide your novice title at Del Mar. “CHAMPING AT THE BIT”: When a horse’s excitement results in it biting on the bridle’s bit and bobbing its head up and down. “RINGER”: Someone who’s far more experienced at the sport than his/her competitors are aware of and who wins frequently. The term comes from a less

was only a $128 ticket. So we asked everyone in the room if they wanted to be in on it - of course they all started laughing. It was like choosing a lottery ticket. So everyone said “no”, except for three other guys, two of which didn’t know the first thing about horses. We’re walking into the fair grounds, and I’m thinking, “I should just pocket this $26.” But of course, I went against my better judgment and placed the bet! Q: When did the winning start?! JA: So the winning. We won the first race, then the second, and after winning the third, we were getting pretty excited because we were at least making some money back. Then came the fourth and fifth. We were on edge. It was seven o’clock heading into the sixth race. We were all feeling pretty good because we’d spent the whole afternoon drinking [laughs]. Most of the people had gone home, because the fair ground races were over. But we were stuck in our tracks (pun intended). The favorite and a 12-to-one horse (Mistical Jaz) were our last two horses for the sixth race. The favorite was out in front for a majority of the race, but died out. My buddies

HOW TO WIN: You must pick the first three horses who will cross the finish line, in order from first to second to third place.

HOW TO WIN: This one’s a real doozy. You must pick who will win first, second, third and fourth - in that exact order!

R AC E T R ACK L I N G O / T E R M I N O L O GY

scrupulous time in horse racing when an owner would substitute a similar looking horse in a race in the hopes of changing the race’s outcome. “BEATING A DEAD HORSE”: is merely a horse that doesn’t have any energy left. So, if you’re beating this “dead horse,” it means you are a jockey aboard a horse that clearly isn’t going to place and frantically whipping it to scoot it’s boot. “LOOKING A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH/RIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH”: Fun fact – a horse’s incisors

serve as an accurate indicator of that horse’s age. Which means if you are questioning a trainer on the age of your thoroughbred, then just walk up to the horse and get the answer you seek straight from it’s mouth. “HANDS DOWN”: To snag an easy win. The origin comes from a jockey’s hand position during a race. Generally speaking, a jockey wants to hold the reins tight to control the horse. If you see a jockey let his/her hands slide down and ease up on the reins, then you can rest assured victory is approaching.

and I figured we’d got five out of six. Then, in the last furlong, here comes this 14 horse racing up the sideline. Won by a neck, and we went nuts. Literally nuts. Q: And the pay out?! JA: Man, when we looked up and saw $1.63 million, we couldn’t believe it. (Mind you that’s $1.63 million split 5 ways. But still!) We were on the headlines of the papers here in Santa Rosa for days! It was a really cool moment.

From left: John Dado, Craig Miller, Jim Archbold, Jim Arntz and Scott Tucker holding the check for $1.62 million.

Q: You had to have called your wife. How did she react? JA: She was hysterical! See, whenever we have this “boy’s day,” she always worries about us getting home. So when I called her to tell her, she was in McDonald’s with my son (12-years-old at the time). Initially she thought I was calling because I was in trouble. All she could hear was me screaming. And then when I finally managed to say we won a million six, she lost it!

days. We didn’t do anything too extravagant with the money. We set it aside for college for my son and daughter, and then took a nice trip to Italy. Though it was a great moment, John (Dado) and I still giggle about how we were able to build that ticket in such a haphazard-way. Overall, it’s a great story. A really great story.

Q: That’s one heck of a great moment. JA: Yeah! Those were some adrenaline-filled

Jim is an insurance broker who lives in Petaluma with his wife Sally.

Where T O Stay

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

1 PA R K H YAT T AV I A R A RESORT

7100 AVIARA RESORT DRIVE | CARLSBAD, CA 92011 760.448.1234 | WWW.PARKAVIARA.HYATT.COM This Carlsbad resort gives new meaning to “bird’s eye view”. Perched atop a ridge on the shore of Batiquitos Lagoon, you’ll be able to see the Pacific coastline below as you sip a mai tai in the pool. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort will have you just as entertained away from the track as you are on race day. The resort is indulgence defined, and was recognized as a AAA Five Diamond Resort for 2013. AMENITY HIGHLIGHTS: • Arnold Palmer 19-hole championship golf course • Golf Academy • Camp Hyatt for the kids • A Beach Butler to attend to you at the beach • Tennis, basketball and volleyball courts and a game room • Onsite restaurants and spa

2 HOTEL INDIGO DEL MAR

710 CAMINO DEL MAR | DEL MAR, CA 92014 858.755.1501 | WWW.HOTELINDIGO.COM Catch sunsets from the oceanview terrace firepits with a craft cocktail in hand, walk two blocks to the beach, or just chill out after a long day of betting (and hopefully winning) in the newly renovated pet-friendly rooms at Hotel Indigo Del Mar. This boutique hotel is just as cozy as it is stylish. AMENITY HIGHLIGHTS: • Easy access to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club • Close to the shops and dining in downtown Del Mar • Blocks from the beach • Two pools and a jacuzzi • Onsite day spa, restaurants and bar • Pet-friendly

L O D G E AT T O R R E Y PINES THE

11480 N TORREY PINES RD | LA JOLLA, CA 92037 858.453.4420 | WWW.LODGETORREYPINES.COM

For those looking for the pinnacle of luxury accomodations, go no further than this La Jolla resort. Having received the AAA Five Diamond Award for consecutive years since 2002, you can be sure you’ll get only the best service and experience, including access to the storied golf course, an award-winning restaurant A.R. Valentien,

L’Auberge and an exquisite spa, not to mention spacious 1900 California Craftsman inspired architecture surrounding you from the foyer to your suite. AMENITY HIGHLIGHTS: • Croquet every morning on the Arroyo Terrace • A pool table, big-screen tv, books and board games in the Scripps library • A heated swimming pool (with underwater speakers) and hot tub overlooking the golf course. • Walking tours of Torrey Pines State Reserve • Onsite restaurants and spa

4 L’A U B E R G E

1540 CAMINO DEL MAR | DEL MAR, CA 92014 858.259.1515 | WWW.LAUBERGEDELMAR.COM L’Auberge feels like a grand, private estate. The modern beachcottage-styled resort is picturesque, sitting in the heart of downtown Del Mar overlooking the beach. At night the resort buzzes with live music on the weekends, and socializing in the bars and restaurants. AMENITY HIGHLIGHTS: • Easy access to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club • Close to the shops and dining in downtown Del Mar • Beach access • Pool and jacuzzi • Onsite day spa, restaurants and bars • Dog-friendly (petite dogs only)

The AFTER Celebrate a long day of winning (think positive) at Del Mar’s Opening Day by attending L’Auberge Del Mar’s fifth annual Opening Day After Party on July 17, 2013. According to locals, “next to a winning long-shot trifecta ticket, this is the hottest ticket in town.” Tickets include eats from KITCHEN 1540, music by Southern California DJ FishFonics and three-time winner of the San Diego Music Award for Best DJ, DJ Gabe Vega. Take the party to the next level by reserving a private cabana for you and your entourage at the party where personal waitstaff will attend to your every need. WHEN: July 17, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. WHERE: L’Auberge Del Mar

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar CA 92014 PRICE: $100 per person – must be 21 years or over TICKETS: laubergedelmar.esitetoolbox.com

ENJOYING THE RACES REMOTE AT

Sycuan Casino

Enjoying the race from home? Mix up this classic recipe to feel like you’re at the track.

The

WOODFORD

MINT

JULEP For those of you who aren’t up for a day of linen suits and large crowds, try heading to the air-conditioned and luxurious Off Track Betting Room at Sycuan Casino in San Diego. You can wear your ball cap and jeans, indulge in tableside dining while watching the races from more than a dozen big-screen TVs, and bet on the ponies from touchscreen stations. And if you’re not winning at the horses, the poker room is just next door. 5485 Casino Way | El Cajon, CA 1.800.2.SYCUAN | www.sycuan.com/casino/off-track-betting

2 oz. Woodford Reserve 1 oz. water 1 t. sugar 4 sprigs fresh mint Mixing Instructions: Muddle three sprigs of mint, sugar, and water in the bottom of a julep cup or highball glass. Fill glass with crushed ice. Add Woodford Reserve and stir. Dust fourth mint sprig with powdered sugar for garnish. Garnish: Mint Sprig, Powdered Sugar

The

THE

Characters

HORSE OWNER

PHOTO BY NANCY VILLERE OF CRUSH PHOTO STUDIOS

BEHIND

THE

MARKETING GURU

Craig Dado sits rather unassumingly in a casual blue button up. He is laid back, a good looking man in his prime with a love of horses and a mission as Executive VP of Marketing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The horse racing club scene has traditionally been a place for men over 50. Statistics say so. But that didn’t stop Craig Dado. The man at the helm of marketing the second largest race track facility in the United States since 2001 has changed the stereotype of horse racing fans. “We have expanded our audience from being very predominantly older males to 70 percent being under 50 years old, and 40 percent being female,” says Dado.

THE

Drawing from the culture and interests of the Southern California region, Craig has managed to create a social experience that goes beyond just the races. This has led to a wide and varied crowd at Del Mar that you don’t see anywhere else. The beer festivals, the pageants in which self-proclaimed “cougars” seek to be crowned queen, the concert series that showcases marquee national bands like Gnarles Barkley, Weezer and ZZ Top - all of this is what makes Del Mar so unique. It isn’t just for horseracing fans. But you better believe most people leave with a bite of the horseracing bug. In that, Dado and the marketing team at Del Mar have won.

You’ve probably heard his voice on the radio or perhaps have even seen his face on a morning show, but during the summer, Scott Kaplan isn’t just a broadcasting personality; he’s a man who throws it all in, and I mean all in, at Del Mar. Kaplan, owner and social ambassador of the horseracing syndicate Great Friends Stables, partners with 20 other eager investors who wager upwards of $400,000.00 buying up a lot of exceptional horses each summer to race at the Del Mar tracks. Their goal for all of this: fun. Q: How did Great Friends Stables come to be? SCOTT KAPLAN: After being a broadcaster for the sport for several years and learning more about placing bets and handicaps, I was intrigued at the prospect of being a horse owner. I approached a good friend of mine, Corky Mizer, and he said, ‘I’m in! How much?’ That conversation was seven years ago, and we’re still buying, selling, and having a good time! Q: Who joins your group, Great Friends Stables? SK: The people who join this group just want to have a great time in a social environment and who ultimately want to be horse owners. We want to win races, and we want to profit. But the likelihood of profiting is typically slim. So mainly we are in it for the thrill of the race. Q: How do you choose your horses each summer? SK: That we leave up to Doug O’Neill and his organization. They are the best of the best when it comes to horse training. So he chooses, claims, and then conditions each of our horses. The relationship between the trainer and the owner is key! All my trust is in Doug. He’s responsible for not only the horses, but pairing the horses with jockeys. Q: Tell us about this Mr. Chairman. SK: Well, Mr. Chairman was our exceptional find. He’s also responsible for one of our greatest highlights as a group! In 2008, Mr. Chairman went on to win the Cal Cup Classic. You need to understand, there’s such a great story behind Mr. Chairman. He was owned by the great television entrepreneur Merv Griffin. When Merv passed away in 2007, he had all these horses. And the guy who managed his estate went to Doug to sell off the horses. Doug came to us and said ‘There’s a chance we might catch lightening in a bottle here.’ So we bought the horse! And then to see this horse win, and big! He was on the cover of racing magazines and being whisked off to Santa Anita. It was the greatest joy to experience as an owner.

HORSE TRAINER

Horses! Let’s talk horses! And Del Mar elite trainer, Peter Miller, has more than a few words of wisdom to share on the attention needed to produce a winning stock of horses.

career path. So what do you do when you love horses and the sport of racing but don’t want to be a jockey? Become a trainer! So Miller chose the best mentor, Hall of Famer Charlie Whittingham.

A horse enthusiast since the age of 8, Miller enrolled into jockey school; however, his adventurous appetite kept him from going down that

“I train seven days a week. I’m old school like that; just like Charlie. Doesn’t matter if I’m tired or hung-over or sick, there are no excuses. It has

to be done,” said Miller. And it’s that extreme dedication that fashioned Comma to the Top into a millionaire racehorse last year. All of his devotion is poured into his horse to see them at the winner’s circle, because naturally, the ultimate goal is to win! And Miller fancies winning at Del Mar (over any other track in America)!

Why does Miller award Del Mar as his “favorite place in the world”? Just like Chantal Sutherland, Miller too found love at Del Mar! After a bad day at the track and an impromptu movie date to the infamous 40-Year-Old Virgin, Miller fell in love, got married, and is now coined the title of “daddy.” (Aww.)

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The new premium, ready-to-serve, sweet-tempered vodka punch.

SEXONTHEBEACH.COM

The Horses

O CC K K EE YY PP RR O O FF II LL EE JJ O

C HA N TA L

SU T H ERL A N D

Don’t you wish your jockey was

HOT LIKE ME?

he’s fierce, focused, and sexy. In head-to-toe hot pink silks, this Canadian has taken the Del Mar racing scene by storm. As the most recent poster girl for the track, Chantal Sutherland shares what life is like as a jockey, what playful banter goes on behind-the-scenes, how she found love along the Del Mar coastline and what life has been like settling down in Huntington Beach.

Q: What’s your favorite aspect of racing? CHANTAL SUTHERLAND: You don’t have to be a jockey or a horse trainer to be involved in the sport. Anyone and everyone can participate in it, from spectating to owning. It’s like an onion too. There are so many layers to it. From understanding the rules of the track to the players to the game. Q: You grew up around horses? CS: Yes, I did! My dad has a hobby farm, where he owns and raises a lot of thoroughbreds and standardbreds. Q: How do you prep for a race? CS: In the jock room, I review all the race replays of the horses. Then I go through the racing forms and stats of each horse. With all that information, I can place where I’d be in the race (position-wise) and where I’d want to be. Then I visualize whom I need to beat. I also look at who’s the favorite and what opportunities I have to improve on the horse’s last performance. Q: There are both mental and physical elements to the race. What’s required of you? CS: Physically speaking, you need to be: small, extremely fit, strong, and well balanced. It’s a sport that demands both your upper and lower body to work with one another. You need a high endurance, because you’re doing both aerobic and anaerobic fitness. Mentally, you need to be in an aggressive mindset. It’s very tense on the track. Personally, I’m both very aggressive and calm. I’m ready to attack when necessary. Q: Are there weight classes for jockeys (similar to wrestling)? CS: Definitely, except instead of the jockey’s weight, it’s the horses. Our saddles can fluctuate our weight up to five pounds. So we try to keep our bodies at around 112 pounds and then choose lighter or heavier saddles when needed. Q: What’s a non-race day look like? CS: Usually we have Monday’s and Tuesday’s off. Those are our weekends. I typically file my taxes and keep bills up to date; exercise (there’s a lot of that required); clean my gear; but most importantly, I relax and chill out. Q: You announced retirement. Is that still true? CS: Yes and no. I have been racing for 15 plus years. It’s hard to juggle with life. I only have Tuesdays off. I hadn’t realized how time consuming my career was. I hadn’t seen my family in awhile. So I took a break. I was tired and my body needed it. That lasted six months. I started dreaming about racing again. I feel refreshed and happy, now, so I’m going back to what I love!

Q: What is the camaraderie on the track like between fellow jockeys? CS: Oh the boys tease each other a lot! They play around, they joke. As a girl, they tease me too. It’s juts like elementary school. They only tease you if they like you. Like they’ll make fun of what I’m wearing. But it’s all in good fun! Q: Now let’s talk about Del Mar. It holds a special place in your heart, doesn’t it? CS: Yes it does. I met my husband there! After winning the Santa Anita Handicap (in 2011), I stayed in California for the summer. I then made my way to Del Mar where my horse owner set me up on a blind date with Dan (now my husband). So not only was winning Santa Anita my career highlight, but it led to a beautiful outcome! Q: Speaking of your husband, I was watching your interview on Conan O’Brien (awesome job by the way), and you two talked about your husband’s insane allergy to horses. Truth? CS: Yeah, he’s really allergic to them! We noticed it after breakfast a few times. I’d be out riding and them come in to eat. He’d start to breakout and wouldn’t be able to talk. So now that we’ve figured that out, I keep my hair in my helmet and then when I get home from work, I take off all my clothes in the garage, throw them into the laundry, and walk into the house. It’s a unique arrangement, but whatever, he’s my husband! Q: Oh the irony! But hey, love found you in Southern California and now you’re living here. CS: Yes! Yes it did. Dan and I live in Huntington Beach and love it. It’s so nice to be close to the Del Mar track, and to have to drive along the coast to work, come on!

F U N FAC T S Favorite band: Kings of Leon Favorite midnight snack: Panda black licorice Favorite OC hangout: Pelican Isle in Huntington Beach Most unique nickname: Chantalinka Summer fashion style: White jeans, cool top, stilettos and a scarf Ideal vacation destination: the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach Dream car: Ferrari or Lamborghini in a really cool, light purple color

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TH IS IS WH E RE N O BO DY’S I N A H U R R Y B U T T H E H O R S E S . ” - Eddie Read

he opened her doors in July of 1937. It was Bing Crosby who stood by her side. That summer, she radiated with that California glow that only the beach could provide. Now, more than 75 years later, she’s still a sight for sore eyes. And who wouldn’t want to be right “where the turf meets the surf?” The Del Mar Racetrack all started with partners Bing Crosby, Pat O’Brien, Gary Cooper, Joe. E. Brown, Charles C. Howard and Oliver Hardy. The gang of Hollywood gentlemen wanted a place to play all day and party all night while enjoying the Del Mar coastline and their shared love of horse racing. Del Mar Racetrack was born. Since Del Mar began, Hollywood elite flooded the scene, and it wasn’t just because of the A-list ownership. Del Mar was a place to escape their time-pressed schedules. So much so, that track publicist, Eddie Read said, “This is where nobody’s in a hurry

but the horses.” The likes of Mickey Rooney, Ava Gardner, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz and Jimmy Durante basked in the summer sun at Del Mar. The track’s popularity led to The Santa Fe Railroad’s launch of a special racetrack train from Los Angeles to Del Mar. The train brought the celebs, the horses, and always a party. In fact, if the train was late, the races were delayed. You would know the train was coming when you heard the grandstands cheering as they saw it round the bend. Many years have passed since the first Opening Day at Del Mar, but the prestige has never diminished. The tradition of wearing a hat on Opening Day, which started in the 1930’s, holds true to this day. In fact, you are sure to see dozens of patrons dressed in their Sunday’s best gallivanting around the track as if it were 1937 and they themselves were celebrities playing hookie from a burdensome Hollywood backlot. This is the glory of Del Mar.

MEMOR ABLE MOME NTS AT Bing Crosby wel1937 comes first guests, to Del Mar, taking tickets at the gate.

Bing Crosby welcomes guests and taking tickets at the Del Mar gate.

Del Mar

The “photo-finish” camera is first 1938 used at Del Mar and sets a precedent for all other tracks. Seabiscuit wins the historic $25,000 match race, putting Del Mar “on the map”.

John Longden, becomes 1956 the world’s “winningest” rider at Del Mar when he places his 4,871st first place.

2007

In its 68th season, Del Mar introduces engineered racing surface Polytrack at a cost of more than $9 million.

Del Mar’s 75th 2012 opening day draws the largest ever ontrack attendance: 47,339 people

Track E V E N T S FREE AND EASY W E D N E S D AY S Free grandstand admission, a free reserved seat, a free program, half-priced beer, soda and hot dogs in Stretch Run concessions every Wednesday besides Opening Day

MISS COUGAR DE L MAR Friday, July 26 – Southern California’s self-proclaimed “cougars” compete for the crown and coveted title in a pageant-style contest.

BEER FESTS Saturday, July 27 and Saturday, August 31 – Sample more than 100 cold brews and meet local brewers at two Brew Fests this season. Receive 10 tastings for $20.

GOURMET FOOD T R U C K F E S T I VA L

$1 M I L L I O N T V G PAC I F I C C L A SS I C

Saturday, August 3 – Around 50 of the region’s hottest food trucks take on the track. Admission to the food truck area is free with $6 general admission for adults and food items are offered at a deal.

Sunday, August 25 – Del Mar’s richest and most prestigious stakes race draws the nation’s top horses and a robust racing crowd. Another chance to don your Kentucky Derby attire, especially if you missed Opening Day.

4 O ’ C L O C K F R I D AY S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Concerts from amazing bands take place every Friday and select Saturdays and Sundays and are free with racetrack admission, $20 for those entering after the last race. Past acts have included Ben Harper, Cake and Dashboard Confessional, among others.

D AY B R E A K A T D E L M A R : MORNINGS AT THE TRACK GET AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK INTO THE WORLD OF THOROUGHBRED RACING. DAYBREAK AT DEL MAR INVITES GUESTS TO WATCH MORNING WORKOUTS AND GET RACING TIPS AND INFORMATION FROM FORMER JOCKEY JEFF BLOOM. NOT TO MENTION ATTENDEES GET TO PARTAKE IN A DELISH BUFFET BREAKFAST. THE EVENT IS HELD EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT THE CLUBHOUSE TERRACE RESTAURANT FROM 7:30 TO 9:30 A.M., AND BREAKFAST COSTS JUST UNDER $10. ADMISSION IS FREE BUT A $10 PARKING FEE DOES APPLY.

SOMETHING FOR EVERY AGE & BUDGET! Track Suites: For those who want the star-studded experience without the membership, try renting a luxury suite for $1,750 per day, or a private suite for $35,000 for the seven-week meet. Get a Deal: Sign up for Del Mar’s Diamond Club and admission is just $3 Bringing kids? Check out Camp Del Mar. Kids ages five to 12 will be entertained with activities,

lunch, snacks and even receive a free tee! www.campdelmar.com | $24 per day per child Turf Club: Del Mar is still a destination for the rich and famous, just like when Bing started it. You’re most likely to catch attending celebs and guests of influence at the exclusive and members-only Turf Club. Yes, you’ll have to be a member to get a peek, or be a guest of someone who is a member. A dress code is enforced and you can be sure you’ll receive only the best attention for an exquisite experience.

DEL MAR RACING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Del Mar mobile is the must have app for regulars or rookies to the storied track. The “one-stop, one-source mobile app” features on-track mobile wagering, streaming of live races, race replays, Cybertote (real-time results, odds, will pays, scratches, etc.), a betting calculator and a calendar of Del Mar events and concerts. Consider it your virtual concierge. Available for any “smart” mobile device.

Contact

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s season runs from July 17th to September 4, 2013. Racing takes place Wednesday - Sunday 858.755.1141 | www.dmtc.com ADMISSION:

Stretch Run: $6.00 (Opening Day $10) Clubhouse: $10.00 (Opening Day $20) Reserved Seats sold separately from Admission

THE CRAFT O F AT T E N T I O N A N D A R T I S T R Y.

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