Hollywood legacies at the Del Mar Racetrack

Posted Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Topics: Celebrities
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The rich and famous have frequented the Del Mar Racetrack since Bing Crosby first pitched the idea of a seaside track to a number of his Hollywood cronies in 1937. Since then, the racetrack has built its legacy as the place to play for Hollywood Stars, including hosting historic matches such as a famous victory by Seabiscuit. Click through to see familiar faces at Del Mar throughout the decades.


Photos
Jimmy Durante enjoying a laugh with fellow entertainer George Jessel (left) and Senator Joseph McCarthy in the Del Mar Turf Club.
Jimmy Durante
W.C. Fields entertains the riders with a  funny story.
Chatting with Jockeys
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were a popular twosome at Del Mar. They raced their own horses at the oval and Desi eventually retired to a home on the beach in Del Mar.
Lucille and Desi
Pat O'Brien and Don Ameche chat between races.
Pat O'Brien
Classic beauty Ava Gardner and her sister, Beatrice Gardner, enjoy a day at the races.
Ava Gardner
Mickey Rooney piloted his own plane to Del Mar almost daily during the summer of 1940.
Mickey Rooney
The Heavyweight Champ poses with jockeys
Jack Dempsey
A familiar sight at Del Mar in the early years was Bing Crosby, pipe in place and typically casual, on horseback.
Bing Crosby riding
Johnny Longden (l) congrats Bill Shoemaker (r) who broke his record for winners on Labor Day, 1970.
Famous Jockeys
Red Skelton in a famous moment during which he made it clear that he'd
Red Skelton
General Manager Bill Quigley, President Bing Crosby, and Vice President Pat O'Brien were more than a management team in the early days of Del Mar.  They created a Del Mar lifestyle that endures to this day.
Old Hollywood management
South American import Ligaroti went head-to-head with Seabiscuit in their 1938 match race at Del Mar.
Seabiscuit
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Related Photos
The set list from the Bravery concert at Del Mar
The Bravery Set List
Richard Jefferson and Mike Smith celebrate the C.E.R.F. Handicapp on Aug. 1 in the Winners Circle.
Richard Jefferson & Mike Smith
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Chargers head coach Norv Turner chat in the paddock before the San Diego Handicap.
Drew Brees and Norv Turner
Opening Day Fashion
Opening Day Fashion
Opening Day Fashion
Opening Day Fashion
Carson Palmer and crew enjoy the winner's circle at Del Mar on opening day.
Carson Palmer and crew!
John Lynch of the Denver Broncos presents the trophy to the connections of Oceanside Stakes winner Dixie Chatter, while trainer Richard Mandella celebrates with jockey Richard Migliore
John Lynch and the connections of Dixie Chatter
Miguel's Mascot and jockey Victor Espinoza set a track record for 5.5 furlongs on opening day.
A New Track Record!

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