DEL MAR, Calif. _ Bing Crosby's memory was alive and well at the Del Mar racetrack Wednesday. His grandson, Phil Crosby Jr., sang the track's theme song, "Where The Turf Meets The Surf," before the fourth race. It was recorded in 1938 by Bing Crosby, who co-founded the track and greeted the first fan when it opened in 1937.
Phil brought his mother, Peggy Crosby Klugman, along for the ride. She's the widow of actor Jack Klugman, who raised thoroughbreds at his ranch. With racing in the family genes, it was fitting that Crosby family members helped open the track's 80th horse racing season. (If the math doesn't compute, it's because the track was dark in 1942-44 during World War II.)
It's the first time that Phil, a crooner like his granddad, has taken the racetrack mike. "It feels great! Del Mar has a special connection with my family and my grandfather's legacy," he said, adding that it was even more special that the spirit of the song into which Bing put so much love is being kept alive. "You can hear his affection for the races and the track in the recording, and that makes me feel very close to him," Phil said.
Opening Day was alive with elbow-to-elbow crowds, prancing horses, creatively decorated hats, runway apparel, lucky charms, horse-themed accessories, studious bettors, partyers and more than a few horse fans who called in sick to be there.
The only shadow cast seemed to be from posters held by animal rights advocates by the entrance. There were a few more than usual due to the high racehorse fatality rate at the recent Santa Anita meet. "I know that the opening of Del Mar will not be about hat contests, pretty people and concerts; it's going to be about dead horses," track CEO Joe Harper had told Union-Tribune reporter Tod Leonard.
But the protesters appeared respectful and polite. "We want to raise awareness in a peaceful manner," said Erin Riley-Carrasco of Jane Unchained, an animal advocate network in Los Angeles.
While many kept their fingers crossed that the horses would stay healthy, there were lots of off-track diversions as Del Mar Thoroughbred Club operators strive to stem declining attendance with family-friendly attractions.
I compiled some Opening Day highlights and season tips on navigating Del Mar's racing scene.
