Del Mar horse racing represents the very best that horse racing has to offer. Among the best tracks on the West Coast, Del Mar has several major events during its late July to early September season. By familiarizing yourself with a few of the main races, you'll be able to decide which of them holds interest for you.

The richest and most prestigious race--as well as the pride of Del Mar horse racing--is the Pacific Classic Stakes. It is open to horses three years of age or older, and has a large purse exceeding one million dollars. The race distance is 1 1/4 miles on dirt, and it serves as a prelude to the Breeders' Cup.

Another important and popular event in Del Mar horse racing is the John C. Mabee Handicap, which was formerly called the Ramona Handicap. An important prep race for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, it is limited to fillies and mares aged three or older. In 2005, the event, which is run on turf for a distance of 1 1/8 miles, had a purse of $400,000, a clear reflection of its growing popularity.

A third important event in Del Mar horse racing is the Eddie Read Handicap, a thoroughbred race for horses three years and older run on 1 1/8 miles of turf. It is a $400,000, Grade One event. To find out more about Del Mar horse racing and to gain an edge when wagering on horse races there, sign up at VIPhorses.com, the most complete resource for horse racing on the Internet.