The 81st Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club geared up on July 18 to a crowd of 33, 112. Racegoers arrived for hats and horses on this picture-perfect day. Fashionistas were decked-out for this, perhaps the biggest fashion event of the year, to see and be seen. Attendees came wearing hats from an array of hats designers. Many were wearing black and white, which seemed to be the trend. Polka Dots were in fashion and were another crowd favorite. The big race of the day was the Oceanside Stakes, which was won by Restrainedvegence, ridden by jockey Evin Roman.
There were more than 300 contestants for this year’s 24th annual Opening Day Hats Contest. This year there was more than $6,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. Leslie Monroy took home the grand prize, a one-night stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar and dinner for two at Addison Restaurant, featuring chef William Bradley’s multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. A value of more than $1,000, plus a $300 cash prize, a $500 Kendra Scott Color Bar Gift Card and Studio Savvy Salon Gift Basket of $500, for a grand total of more than $2,000 in prizes were also thrown into the mix. Monroy made an oversized hat with large handmade lace horse heads in a floral bouquet.
Julia Moehrke of Carlsbad won the category for best flowers, with a coordinating red dress and floral arrangement. Aubrey Fohl of Dana Point won the category of best fascinator, with a black spiked feather fascinator. Sara Holbrook of San Diego won the category of most glamorous with a cream-colored outfit and matching hat with feathers and flowers. Lori Shelton of San Diego won the category of best racing theme with a Triple Crown trophy. This race hat had red flowers for the Kentucky Derby, Black Eyed Peas for the Preakness, and White Carnations for the Belmont.
The Summer Meet runs through Sep. 3 and is dark on Mondays and Tuesdays (except Labor Day). Look for Bing Crosby Season (Part Two) opening on Nov. 9 and running through Dec. 2. There will be a contest with prizes so stay tuned. For more information, visit dmtc.com.
Upcoming events
Saturday, Aug. 4: 41st Haute with Heart Fashion Show at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront presented by St. Madeleine’s Sophie. The event begins at 10 a.m. and proceeds go to programs for adults with developmental disabilities. For tickets email: [email protected].
Thursday, Aug. 16: Celebrating Couture 2018 presented by the Globe Guilders at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa at 10 a.m. Dedicate in loving memory to Peggy Matthews. For tickets, contact Joydelee Marrow at 858-382-1672.