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The story of the sport of horse racing lies in its places: sprawling expanses of bluegrass nourishing generations, stunning mountain vistas watching over their battles, and timeless towns centered around these equine athletes. Summer brings America to one of those timeless towns, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where the best that the sport has to offer congregate for new editions of long-running fixture races.

For horse racing fans, one true indicator of summer is when Del Mar Thoroughbred Club opens its doors for its famed meet. The iconic San Diego-area track is an incredible place to visit whether you’re a lifelong fan of racing or if this will be your first trip to the track.

If you fall into the latter category — or if you’re planning your first trip to Del Mar this summer — scroll down for everything you need to know about this year’s summer season.

Standing in the winner’s circle at the Kentucky Derby. Walking the shedrow to visit your horse. Examining morning workouts alongside the trainer.

For decades, those moments were largely reserved for racing’s wealthiest participants.

Today, increasingly, they are not.

There was a time when owning a racehorse felt like a distant dream reserved for the well-connected or the deeply embedded insiders of the sport. Today, that perception is shifting and not just because access has widened. It’s because the very meaning of ownership is evolving.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) today announced that entries for all divisions of the 2026 T.I.P. Championships and the Thoroughbred Premier Series Preview Show are now open. Additionally, there is an online declaration form that can be used to declare horses for both shows. Please note that this form must be used for horses that are automatically qualified, for horses that require a Hardship Request to qualify, and to provide information on horses attending the preview show. More information about qualifying can be found below. 

Southern California summers at the racetrack mean one thing: Del Mar. The beautiful seaside horse racing venue begins its 89th season Friday, July 17, and make no mistake, Del Mar is a bucket-list track for fans of the sport.

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