We parked at the beach and walked to the race track...
entering the far turn of Del Mar, we discovered Spanky's "Outhouses."


I enjoy the chance to experience a race track
from different and interesting POVs... so it's off to the Infield.
The Infield is a great place to enjoy a Del Mar turf race.




As close as you can get without being a jockey,
the runners pass right by coming out of the chute...


...then again as they straighten for the stretch run.



This fellow had a "YES!" moment
punching the sky as his horse won the race.

AND... there are ducks in the infield.


Action on the backstretch...


Hangin' in the Infield @ Del Mar.

There was a longer-than-usual delay after the photo sign flashed for the 6th race...


Mensa Heat and Sterling Outlook hit the wire together
and I recognized the reason for the extra-long delay...

The Folks standing behind us were brother & sister & friend.
The sister & brother each had a win wager... she had Mensa / he had Sterling.
I turned and told them if the next words Trevor said were "LADIES & GENTLEMEN,"
they would both be winners and they would both cash tickets.
Less than 10 seconds later... it was "LADIES & GENTLEMEN" and I was Nostradamus!


Mary & Phillip and pal Rusty... it was very nice meeting you!

Thanks for sharing, Dell. I hope those youngsters visit the site. We need some young blood to get interested in our sport. I think about that every time I peruse a tournament ballroom in Vegas and note that most in attendance are long time horse players. It looks like a fine time was had by all as the curtain closes on another summer at Del Mar!

LL

The 2011 Del Mar Futurity (GI) contenders...

#1 - Corsa Di Cavalli

#2 - Gun Boat

#3 - Sheer Talent

#4 - Majestic City

#5 - Basmati

#6 - Drill

#7 - Mighty Monsoon

#8 - Creative Cause

Mr. Baffert had two interests in the race...
Martin Garcia (Drill) received most of the attention,
while Martin Pedroza (Gun Boat) was ignored standing alone.
Pedroza got one quick word from the trainer,
then it was right back to Garcia and the MP connections.
Interesting that #6 DRILL was the only runner not BC nominated.

It's always amusing to listen to the comments of folks
who are on the 'wrong end' of the Stewards' decision.

Martin Garcia


Christian Santiago Reyes


...and Heather got a shot with her favorite jockey,
2011 Belmont Stakes Winner, Jose Valdivia, Jr.!

Christina Olivares was at the track...

and before the final race of the season, we met a great gal.

Her name is Jen...
she's smart, she's a handicapper, passionate about the sport,
and she too would be a perfect addition to the forum.
We watched the last race together and made plans to meet up @ Santa Anita,
as the sun began to set on the 2011 Del Mar season...

Great stuff!

GrandpaDeee

If only I could be as good as I once thought I was!!!!

I was worried that the forum was branching off in a new direction!

Great pics Dell & Heather. Do you guys frequent the Fairplex races next?

...and it's lucky #7, Evasive Charmer (Alonso Quinonez), in the final race of the 2011 Del Mar season.