Del Mar, CA (SportsNetwork.com) – The installation of Del Mar’s new dirt
racing surface is almost complete with training planned to begin on May 15.
The process of installing the new “El Segundo sand” track is expcted to be
done by the end of April followd by cleaning up going into May. Track
superintendent Richard Tedesco and his staff will begin preparing the new dirt
surface on May 4 for training. Eleven days later 2-year-olds, part of
Barrett’s 2-year-olds-in-training sale slated for May 28, are expected to
train on the track.
The main tracks inner rail is being reinstalled with about a quarter mile of
rail to complete. Still to come is the adjustment to the outer rail around the
oval. That will take about two weeks to be completed.
Del Mar’s winner’s circle was raised to adjust for the new track and given a
fresh flooring of AstroTurf.
Del Mar will present its 76th season of thoroughbred racing starting on
Thursday, July 16 and running through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7. Following its
summer meet, Del Mar will return once again for a second consecutive “fall”
racing season with 20 days planned between Thursday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Nov.
29.