Del Mar CA— Surfside Race Place, one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious off-track betting facilities, is gearing up to celebrate the biggest race of the year, the 141^st Kentucky Derby, Del Mar style, which will be simulcast at Surfside on Saturday, May 2 from Churchill Downs.
Each year 20 horses have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to run in this prestigious event, known as the “Run for the Roses.” To earn a spot in the starting gate, they must travel along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of 35 designated races at tracks across the country and around the world. Points are awarded to the top four finishers in each race. The 20 horses with the most points will earn a spot in the starting gate Derby Day.
The celebration will feature horse racing via satellite from around the country; fans can view and bet on day races from Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Woodbine, Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, Arlington, Golden Gate and more. Night race tracks include Australia, Los Alamitos, Cal Expo, Balmoral and Meadowlands. Advanced wagering for Derby Day begins on Friday, May 1.
The day will start with breakfast at the Carving Stand; guests can enjoy Mint Juleps and a barbeque on the patio, sample delicious food and purchase souvenirs at the official Derby Day gift shop. Free swag and Derby fan photo opportunities will be offered at the Yelp.com both from 11am – 3pm. There will also be a selection of international Micro Brews at $3.75 or two for $6, plus award-winning red wines from California for $4 a glass beginning at 10 a.m. Advance Theater seats are now on sale for $5 at the gift shop, and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is sold separately. General Admission is $5 and $2.50 for Diamond Club members.
Diamond Club members receive 50 percent off general admission and free parking. Membership in the Diamond Club is free; racing fans can sign up on their first visit and start saving on subsequent visits. The Diamond Club is a joint venture with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, so those who joined during the live meet can save immediately!
A Saddle Club package is available for $20, and includes admission, a program and a commemorative glass. A special menu will be available. For reservations, call (858) 755-1167, Extension 1220.
Gates and the Saddle Club will open at 7 a.m. Breakfast at the Carving Stand will also get underway at 7 a.m. First post is 7:30 a.m. The Kentucky Derby will run at 3:25 p.m.
Looking ahead, horse racing enthusiasts can enjoy the excitement of the second and third legs of the Triple Crown at Surfside with the Preakness Stakes on May 16, and the Belmont Stakes on June 6.
Surfside Race Place is located on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., and offers off-track wagering year-round (closed during the live Del Mar race meets). Surfside features live racing, day and night from tracks across the country and around the world. Surfside’s unique features include a smoke-free environment, the luxurious Saddle Club, and patios with video monitors where Del Mar’s outstanding weather can be enjoyed. The immaculate 90,000-square-foot facility is designed to provide the ultimate satellite wagering enjoyment. For more information, visit www.surfsideraceplace.com or call 858-755-1167.