The scent of saltwater and freshly turned turf will mingle once again at Del Mar this autumn as the 12th Bing Crosby Season gallops into action, promising five weeks of elite racing, drama, and $3.15 million in stakes purses. Opening on Thursday, October 30 and running through Sunday, November 30, the meet brings together champions, up-and-comers, and passionate crowds in one of America’s most beloved racing backdrops.
Fans and Horses Ready for a Spectacular Season
Del Mar’s iconic seaside oval will host 16 action-packed days of racing, and anticipation is already building among trainers, jockeys, and fans. With two Breeders’ Cup days lined up on October 31 and November 1, the atmosphere promises to be electric, marking one of the most eagerly awaited meets of the year.
“The Bing Crosby meet has always been special,” said one trainer preparing his stable stars for battle. “There’s something magical about Del Mar in November — the ocean breeze, the crowd energy, and the quality of racing.”
The meet kicks off with the $100,000 Let It Ride Stakes for three-year-olds on turf, setting the tone for a season packed with high-class contests.
The FanDuel Racing Turf Festival Takes Center Stage
A marquee highlight returns with the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival, a seven-race showcase from November 28 to closing day, November 30, featuring graded turf stakes run over the renowned Jimmy Durante Turf Course.
Headlining the festival are two Grade I gems:
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Hollywood Derby — $300,000, for 3-year-olds, Nov 29
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Matriarch Stakes — $300,000, for fillies & mares, Nov 30
These contests have a rich history of producing future stars, and expectations are high for this year’s editions.
Breeders’ Cup Boosts the Buzz
With the Breeders’ Cup scheduled during the opening weekend, Del Mar’s atmosphere will be unlike any other. Friday, October 31, begins with a first post at 11:35 a.m., while Saturday, November 1, kicks off early at 10:05 a.m., setting the stage for championship-level action right from the start.
The addition of Breeders’ Cup races enhances the Bing Crosby Season’s prestige, drawing elite horses from across the country and creating a unique blend of festival flair and top-tier competition.
Stakes Galore: A $3.15 Million Showcase
Across the five weeks, 20 stakes races will be contested, including 11 Graded stakes and 12 turf events, delivering endless thrills for punters and purists alike. Notable highlights include:
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Hollywood Turf Cup (Gr. II) — $200,000, Nov 28
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Seabiscuit Handicap (Gr. II) — $200,000, Nov 29
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Jimmy Durante Stakes (Gr. III) — $100,000, Nov 29
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Bayakoa Stakes (Gr. III) — $100,000, Nov 30
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Cecil B. DeMille Stakes (Gr. III) — $100,000, Nov 30
Cal-bred stars will also get their moment in the sun with four state-bred stakes contests scattered across the meet.
Stakes Schedule Snapshot
| Date | Race | Purse | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30 | Let It Ride Stakes | $100,000 | 1 Mile (T) |
| Oct 31 | Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes | $200,000 | 1 Mile (T) |
| Oct 31 | Senator Ken Maddy Stakes | $200,000 | 5F (T) |
| Oct 31 | Golden State Juvenile Stakes | $175,000 | 7F |
| Nov 1 | Goldikova Stakes (Gr. III) | $300,000 | 1 Mile (T) |
| Nov 28 | Hollywood Turf Cup (Gr. II) | $200,000 | 1½ Miles (T) |
| Nov 29 | Hollywood Derby (Gr. I) | $300,000 | 1⅛ Miles (T) |
| Nov 29 | Seabiscuit Handicap (Gr. II) | $200,000 | 1 1/16 Miles (T) |
| Nov 30 | Matriarch Stakes (Gr. I) | $300,000 | 1 Mile (T) |
| Nov 30 | Bayakoa Stakes (Gr. III) | $100,000 | 1 Mile |
(Full stakes list available at Del Mar’s official website.)
A November to Remember
With the 12th Bing Crosby Season offering $3.15 million in stakes purses, Breeders’ Cup magic, and the much-anticipated FanDuel Racing Turf Festival, Del Mar is poised to deliver a festival of speed, style, and unforgettable racing drama.
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