Del Mar officials hope rare Saturday start gives way to successful summer

Del Mar has carved out a special niche in horse racing.

“Del Mar, Saratoga, Keeneland are iconic, very attractive venues in our sport,” Josh Rubinstein, president and chief operating officer of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, said recently. “We’re destinations. And we’ve been on a terrific run at Del Mar.  We’re excited and optimistic.”

Del Mar’s 85th summer meeting season opens Saturday to a sellout crowd. Opening day has drawn 118 horses entered for the 11-race program. This is...