Del Mar by Numbers

Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:08 PM PDT

E-MAIL STORY

Thought I'd jump back in and give you some more numbers on the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. While the track has been around since 1937, the Thoroughbred Club formed in 1970. Since our inception we have generated over $650 million in revenues to local and state governments along with distributions to dozens of local charitable organizations and equine research. The racetrack attracts over 700,000 visitors during our seven week run. During that time we employ more than 3,300 people with a payroll of $20 million.

We draw approximately 275,000 patrons from outside San Diego County. Occupancy rates at North County hotels jump from an annual average of 70 percent to more than 86 percent; with many topping 90 percent.

As far as the industry of horse racing, changes are being made to ensure the "sport of kings" attracts a broader audience, and Del Mar is a leader in the industry. Last year we switched to a synthetic surface, Polytrack. Our $9 million investment proved to be a sound and safe one. When we made the change we fielded complaints, but that is to be expected. Most of the complaints were due to the speed of the races dropping. We'll pick safety over speed 100 times out of 100.

Something we will do this season is water the track depending on the weather. We installed a reverse osmosis system on site that provides purified water for the track. Pure water works best with Polytrack, and according to our faster times and safe track the adjustment is working.

It is a good time to be involved in racing, especially here at Del Mar. Come see.

--WALKER MCBRIDE

5 Comments so far on this story...

Mr. McBride, How many horses died at Del Mar during race season last year?

Posted by Not safe enough! | reply to this comment
July 22, 2008 6:13 pm

Yes, the track is exciting and the setting spectacular, but the relentless regurgitation of all the economic benefits gets pretty cloying. Let's admit this--the track lives on the lifeblood of gambling ("playing the ponies" sounds so much more innocent), and while it may be the sport of kings, an awful lot of peasants line up to lose their grocery money. Add some rock bands to the mix, and now Del Mar is COOL! Plus you're starting a happy habit that track officials hope will continue to separate you from your cash for years to come. Two horses have already "broken down" less than one week into the season (again the euphemisms fly--they had to be "euthanized"). These beautiful animals are literally ground into the dirt and then killed when they sustain devastating injuries, so the "kings" can throw around their cash and the queens can show off their hats.

Posted by Dakota Blue | reply to this comment
July 22, 2008 7:23 pm

Hi "Not safe enough!": It took a bit of googling, but I found one article (at link that said two horses died last year compared to 8 the previous year.

Posted by Matthew Fedder | reply to this comment
July 22, 2008 10:28 pm

What Mr. McBride is saying here is that the economic numbers more than justify the danger and death the horses face. That is in his opinion and the thousands of other gutless fans who gamble away their money without the slightest consideration their entertainment is suffering for the cause. // So, the numbers justify the deaths, particularly since the fans don't care and never complain.

Posted by Christopher Hall | reply to this comment
July 22, 2008 10:31 pm

Good going Scott. Two days of PR blather about how great Del Mar racing is, and not one word about the 22nd Ag Distrcts plans to tear down the existing fairgrounds buildings and replace them with highrise hotels. Since the racetrack's shill wasn't willing to discuss proposed redevelopment, how about assigning one of your crack reporters to get us the details? Also check with SOHO, which is closely monitoring the proposal. And stop giving away Cafe San Diego space to PR flunkies to pitch their ads.

Posted by Watcher | reply to this comment
July 23, 2008 8:23 am

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