Every July, the Ferris wheels leave, the horses arrive and the Del Mar Fairgrounds shift from county fair to Thoroughbred racing.
The transformation is already well underway, with trailers rolling through the stable gates, barns filling with horses and more than 100 entrants set for Friday’s 10-race Opening Day card.
“I would describe turning the fair over into racetrack every season as very chaotic,” Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Director of Events & Promotions Chris Bahr said. “We’re basically running around in circles. You’ve got to get the main track ready, get the Ferris wheels out and all that. As soon as that’s done, we’re very excited…