AT L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
Del Mar
Gretchen & Britt HACKMANN THE NUBRY GIRLS TAKE US TO THE RACES Where to eat, drink, sleep, shop, stay and play in and around Del Mar.
Don't forget opening day has changed to
THURSDAY!
The Nubry duo
L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
!
in Del Mar DOES OPENING DAY
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID An Irreverent Retail Column
RACETRACK FASHION IS ALL THE RAGE
WRITTEN AND STYLED BY: GRETCHEN AND BRITT HACKMANN, FOUNDERS OF NUBRY.COM PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MATT DOHENY
Racegoers, the time is near, and it feels oh so good! We’ve been anticipating Opening Day since Closing Day last September. The Del Mar Racetrack opens with a bang on July 17, 2014! What is all the hype about these horse races, anyway? You may not be an experienced handicapper—and that’s okay—because we’re here to guide you through the entire racing process, so that you’re absolutely prepared for the 2014 racing season! From dress and style to betting types and post-race debauchery, you shan’t miss out on this historic activity that we call The Del Mar Races. Don’t let Opening Day pass by without being a part of it. This is when all the social classes meet for a day of schmoozing, socializing, drinking, betting, partying and more. Oh, and of course, this is when you arrive in your very best attire! No, this isn’t Ascot Racecourse where the ladies must arrive in their proper and formal daywear and the men in a waistcoat and black top hat, but this is a show of sophistication and style, and there are unspoken rules of which you need take heed.
Our lady racegoers are different here in San Diego as they ooze glamour, sexiness and beauty. Where’s our “Real Housewives of San Diego” TV show? Don’t be afraid to show up in a vibrantly hued, blue Herve Leger fit and flare bandage dress and matching Carol Bader Designs hat. There is no over-the-top style on Opening Day; in fact, you will be heavily rewarded for your show-stopping looks! The Opening Day Hat Contest is open for all 50,000 racegoers and judges will pick you out of the bunch if you have that winning look. Even if you don’t, fellow racegoers will be envious and conversation will strike with new race mates. After a fabulous afternoon—and heavy pockets after winning a trifecta—head over to this year’s hottest (and we mean hottest) Opening Day After Party at L’Auberge. Prepare your wardrobe and read on for a complete resource to the races, which you’ll want to save for future years.
3
PLAN YOUR DAY OPENING DAY SCHEDULE
10am:
MEN’S ATTIRE FOR RACING SEASON
▷ A gentleman can never go wrong with a linen
PRE-RACE BRUNCH Always have brunch before heading to the track…and perhaps a mimosa to get the party started!
button down or polo shirt during the summer months at the racetrack. ▷ Those in the Turf Club are required to wear a sport coat.
Fab Brunch Spots with Ocean Views Near the Track ▷ Pacifica Del Mar (located in Del Mar Plaza) ▷ L’Auberge Waterfall Terrace
12pm: 2pm: 6pm:
WOMEN’S ATTIRE FOR RACING SEASON
GATES OPEN Racegoers should begin to arrive
▷ A lady may choose to wear attire from “Opening Day” style to casual shorts and sandals.
▷ A lady’s outfit for a day at the races depends
RACES BEGIN
AFTER PARTY BEGINS
$
on where she is seated. If she will be in a tighter seating area, a smaller brimmed hat or fascinator will be more comfortable, rather than a large brimmed hat.
$
HANDBAG ESSENTIALS $
$
CASH:
▷ some betting booths
only take cash and you never know when you will need to tip someone
4
$
CELL PHONE:
▷ but don’t expect to always have service
SUNGLASSES:
▷ especially for viewing horses at the paddock
LIPSTICK:
▷ to be photo ready
POWDER:
▷ for blotting out a glow
WHAT TO WEAR WOMEN’S DRESSES FOR OPENING DAY ▷ Sleeveless is preferred. Strapless is acceptable.
Sleeves can be warm, but appropriate. Long sleeves will be too hot. ▷ Dresses at or above the knee ▷ Fit & Flare dresses or fitted shift dress; classic styles ▷ Bright colored dresses are vibrant on a hot day ▷ Go Monochromatic—wear one color from head to toe for a serious statement SUMMER 2014 COLOR TRENDS
▷ Feminine colors like pale pink, baby blue, mint, and lavender
▷ Radiant Orchid—Pantone Color of the Year ▷ Black and White ▷ Baby Blue and Yellow are the Del Mar colors!
WOMEN’S HATS FOR OPENING DAY While the races are definitely all about a lady’s hat, it is best to find the dress first, and then find a great hat to go with it. Finding the dress first will allow a lady to be more specific in her hat search or even enable her the ability to custom design a hat to go with her sophisticated dress. HOW TO COORDINATE A HAT OR FASCINATOR WITH YOUR DRESS
▷ COLORBLOCKING: Solid colored dress…pair with…a different colored hat
▷ WHITE: White dress…pair with…a hat with a pop of color or a neutral cream color
▷ MONOCHROMATIC: Solid colored dress…pair with…a hat that is the same color
▷ PRINTS: Printed dress…pair with…a simple white or neutral hat
▷ MULTI-COLORED: Multi-colored dress…pair with…a hat that is of a color featured in the dress
▷ BLACK & WHITE: Black and White dress…pair with…a black or a white hat
For more style tips and what to wear to the races,
visit www.nubry.com
L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
WHERE TO SHOP FOR THE RACES FLOWER HILL PROMENADE “THE ROW” ▶ MAGGIE B – This boutique knows what you should be wearing to Opening Day, so trust their advice! Their classic styles from Escada, Wolford, Moschino and Blumarine will make you swoon! Head right next door for your man to Mister B. There are a lot of men’s store options at Flower Hill, including Lone Flag and Rais Case. ▶ VAN DE VORT – These young ladies will dress you for the races throughout the season. Nightcap lace dresses, Vanessa Mooney, Flynn Skye and Stone Cold Fox can all be found here. Remember, don’t show any cutouts on opening day, but throughout the season, casual summer attire is perfect! ▶ MATTI D – Across the street, next to Beaming, this boutique has the best contemporary designer brands to get you dressed for Opening Day and the rest of the racing season!
BEAUTIFY FOR OPENING DAY SPA GREGORIE’S DEL MAR - Your photo will be taken a lot at Opening Day. When you are spending so much time preparing your Opening Day fashion look, you must be sure not to neglect your pretty face! Makeup will sit better on a well-energized face. Arcona Organic Brightening Facial—50 mins, $119. You will most definitely be wearing beautiful heeled sandals,
and you don’t want to let your feet down! They will need the extra relaxation before a big day on your feet! To feel like you are walking on air, throw your feet up! Signature Pedicure—75 mins, $60. To cure any hangovers following Opening Day or aches and pains, check in for a relaxation and recharge massage. Spaflexology— 60 mins, $99
5
PARTY POINTERS OPENING DAY AFTER PARTY AT L’AUBERGE ▷ This is the best party in town! Snap photos all night long
Opening Day Tips from Evan Topol, an experienced handicapper
using hashtag #ODAP2014
▷ Enjoy post-race cocktails at the BleuBar to watch the sunset ▷ Meet friends post-race in the Living Room of the L’Auberge ▷ Private cabanas with ocean view and the scene you want to be in ▷ Tickets: $175 ▷ Private cabanas: prices available upon request. Call 858-259-1515 CLUB 1540
▷ Women wearing heels all day will need a place to sit, so reserve a seat
For a select and limited group celebrating Opening Day in a more secluded, exclusive environment, L’Auberge Kitchen 1540 transforms to an exclusive club within the party for the first time ever. Limited Tickets for $500. Full access to the rest of the party if your friends choose the private cabana options on the pool and terraces.
▷ If you are going to Opening Day with a large group, it will be difficult to stay together unless you have some type of reserved seating or table. Do not expect to have cell phone contact (due to the large crowds), so plan accordingly and pick a spot to meet in case you get split up.
▷ You don’t need to have a reserved seat to enjoy the races, and it’s fun to walk around to take in as much as possible. No matter what, there are places to stand to catch the race!
Tim Yakteen
MULTIPLE GRADED STAKES WINNING TRAINER
Q: You grew up in Germany and spent some time there in the military as well. Do you talk to your horses in German or English? Tim Yakteen: Yes I grew up in Germany. My first graded stakes winner, Sabiango, was also born and raised in Germany. He’s the only horse I’ve been around that understood me when I spoke German.
"THE ENERGY you feel Opening Day is like no other." 6
Q: You had the Top Sprinter in the country last year. Was that the fastest horse you have ever trained? TY: By far the fastest horse I have ever trained. Q: You worked for a long time with Bob Baffert. What is your favorite story about him? TY: My favorite story with Bob Baffert is when we ran Zipintothecash in the Sonoita Futurity in Sonoita, Arizona. The story is in Bob’s book, Down the Dusty Road.
Q: What do you love most about Del Mar (DMTC)? TY: The great crowds. Q: Is Opening Day any different that any other racing day? TY: Yes! The energy you feel Opening Day is like no other. It is truly an event which I love to be a part of. Q: Tell us the name of a horse you trained that we have all heard of. TY: Points Offthebench. Q: You won the Eclipse award last year. How did that feel? TY: It ranks right up there with my 2 boys being born and my wedding day. Q: Muck a stall or lose a race? TY: Muck a stall!
L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
Follow @nubry on Instagram for more racetrack fashion
TURF CLUB DRESSCODE WOMEN:
▷ Daytime cocktail dresses; no abbreviated attire ▷ Heels are preferred ▷ No jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or sneakers MEN:
▷ Suit or Sports Jacket ▷ Ties or Bowtie
5 O'CLOCK FRIDAYS CONCERT LINE UP July 18 - Jurassic 5
August 15 – TBA
July 25 - The Cult
August 22 - TBA
August 1 - TBA
August 29 – Steve Aoki
August 2 – Weezer
August 31 – Reggae Festival with Ziggy Marley
August 8 – Steel Pulse August 9 – Counting Crows
7
MAKE IT A STAYCATION! L’AUBERGE
▷
Staying overnight near the track and pre-planning transportation can take a lot of hassle out of a busy day. Just check in and let L’Auberge manage the itinerary. You’ll be right at the Opening Day After Party! Get a room with a balcony to view the whole party as it happens! You’ll have quick access to navigate from Club1540 to the private cabanas out back!
THE RANCHO BERNARDO INN
▷
Trifecta Package includes one night stay, roundtrip transportation to/from Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, dinner for two at AVANT, 2 Signature ‘Winner’s Circle’ Signature Cocktails, $25 resort credit for those who check in wearing their best hat. Hotel stays starting at $449. Call 877-269-5242 to book a room.
OUR FAVORITE
DINING SPOTS PACIFICA DEL MAR
▶ ▶ ▶ ▶
Stunning ocean views Awarded the Gold Medallion for "Best Seafood Dining in San Diego" Enjoy pre-track warmup brunch in Pacifica's dining room, the Breeze Cafe Sip on over 200 types of vodka at the Ocean Bar
JAKE'S DEL MAR
▶ ▶ ▶ ▶
Old California beach atmosphere with ocean views from nearly every table Coastal cuisine with fresh fish Known for their white sangria, called Jake's Seasonal A mere mile and a half from the Del Mar Race Track
VERANDA CAFÉ (Clubhouse side, Second level)
▶
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE TRACK ▷ ▷ ▷ ▷ ▷
THERE ARE TWO SIDES OF THE TRACK - Clubhouse and Stretch Run The Clubhouse side is closest to the finish line and has access to Stretch Run Stretch Run has no Clubhouse access and admission is lower RESERVED SEATS – available on both sides of the track, starting at $15 RESERVED TABLE – limited tables available for $200 + admission on both sides of the track, allowing you to order food and drinks comfortably ▷ There are many restaurants and bars on the ground level
▶ ▶
This popular restaurant overlooks the paddock Indoor and outdoor seating available Arrive early to get a table, especially on Opening Day
IL PALIO (Sixth level)
▶
Upscale dining with canopy patio overlooking the track ▶ Reservations are required
9
L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
WHERE TO CHILL DURING RACING SEASON FOR THE HIP SCENE:
▷ SEARSUCKER, DEL MAR – Gather friends for delicious drinks and American classic cuisine at
this chic, coastal restaurant. A spacious outdoor patio with a koi pond, fire pit and bar provides for a lively atmosphere perfect for a group setting. Snack on small savory plates like the shrimp ceviche with avocado and roasted peppers while sipping on funky named numbers like the Snake in the Grass, a cocktail consisting of cucumber gin, bruised mint, lime and soda.
FOR THE RANCH AMBIANCE:
▷ THE PONY ROOM AT RANCHO VALENCIA, RANCHO SANTA FE – The Pony Room is SEARSUCKER, DEL MAR
where you will want to relax after race day with friends. This is the ultimate ninth race of the day where you can wind down with a martini.
FOR LIVE MUSIC:
▷ PARK HYATT AVIARA, CARLSBAD –
Art of Entertainment offers live music in their Lobby Lounge from Tuesday to Saturday during racing season. Offering a Signature Grey Goose Martini menu and tapas, we recommend trying the Piquillo Pepper Dirty Martini and $3 tapas, including a smoked salmon bite (heirloom beets and goat cream cheese) and Brandt Beef Slider (peanut butter, bacon, jalapeno, smoked gouda).
FOR SUNSET VIEWS:
▷ SUBLIME TAVERN, DEL MAR – Post race wine and dinner can be enjoyed at Sublime Tavern. SUBLIME TAVERN, DEL MAR
10
Have a pre-race mimosa after parking and/or have some bites after the races while watching the sunset over the polo fields! Secondary parking (free) is across the street from Sublime Tavern. The shuttles take racegoers to/from the track.
Fun Fact ◀
▶
HORSE’S AGE
Horse Racing 101
every horse celebrates a birthday on JANUARY 1ST, regardless of the horse’s actual birth date
▶ Races run
each week from Wednesday through Sunday.
▶ Races are 3.5 to 4 hours with 30 minutes between each race.
▶ Each race only
lasts 1-2 minutes.
▶ “Post Time” is
the time at which each race begins.
HOW TO BET
▶ The Paddock
is the oval area where the horses are saddled and warmed up 30 minutes prior to each race.
THE BASIC BETS WIN: You win $ if your horse wins first place. PLACE: You win $ if your horse gets first or second place. SHOW: You win $ if your horse finishes first, second, or third place.
2
1
horses warm up can help you pick a horse to bet on.
▶ Jockeys mount
2 1
The Daily Double
Quinella
Exacta
tri-Fecta
HOW TO WIN: ▷ You must pick the winner in two consecutive races. Bet must be placed before the start of the first race.
HOW TO WIN: ▷ You must pick two horses who finish first or second (doesn’t matter the order) in a single race.
HOW TO WIN: ▷ You must pick the horses who will finish first and second, in the exact order, in a single race.
HOW TO WIN: ▷ You must pick the first three horses who will cross the finish line, in order from first to second to third place.
PLACE YOUR BETS BETTING BEGINNER? GO TO WWW.NUBRY.COM FOR BETTING TYPES AND TERMS. ▷ Minimum bets are $2 and are in increments of $2. ▷ Long lines for placing bets on Opening Day, so know how to bet! ▷ Allow 10 minutes or more to place your bet, given the lines. ▷ “Large Transaction” Windows – these are for bets over $50 ▷ “Chalk” – a horse that has the most money bet on it ▷ Betting Techniques – you can make up your own technique for picking a horse based on things like their name, number, jockey, color of the jockey’s silks, etc.
12
▶ Watching the
2
3
4
SUPER Fecta
HOW TO WIN: ▷ This one’s a real doozy. You must pick who will win first, second, third and fourth - in that exact order!
their horses and head to the track about 10 minutes before their “Post Time”.
▶ Races begin at 2pm (except on Fridays).
▶ Friday races start at 4pm.
▶ Free concert
every Friday around 7:45pm.
OFF-TRACK BETTING (OTB) SYCUAN CASINO
▷ This casino is the only place
to place bets other than at the Del Mar Racetrack. ▷ Betting in the OTB room at Sycuan Casino is almost as good as being at the racetrack—all of the same bets are available! ▷ There are 14 big-screen TV’s for live viewing. ▷ Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Joe Harper
DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Q: What did growing up in the movie business teach you that you apply to your job here at Del Mar? Joe Harper: Growing up in the movie business was all about entertainment—tell an interesting story and make it look good. That’s not too far from where we are at Del Mar. Whether it’s a movie or a racetrack, people want to enjoy the experience. Del Mar has an exciting atmosphere—beautiful horses on the track and beautiful people in the grandstand. Throw in some Friday night concerts, family fun days on the weekends, a chili cook-off, a reggae festival, a beer fest and even the Wiener Dog National Finals. There’s something for everyone here. Q: You have changed Opening Day this year from a Wednesday to a Thursday. What was the idea behind that? JH: We are opening on a Thursday rather than our traditional Wednesday to give us more time between the closing of the fair (July 6) and our opening (July 17). Horses need to acclimate themselves to the track before they race and we need to make sure our new turf course gets as much growing time as possible. Q: What do you know now that you wished you knew at thirty? JH: Are you kidding? If 30 years ago I knew the winners of all the races to come perhaps my handicapping would improve. Q: Do you bet? If so, which bet is your favorite? JH: I seldom bet. Handicapping the horses takes time and for me that’s not an option. I get too busy. Truth is I seldom can pick a winner. My wife, Barbara, however, is pretty good at it. I’ll just follow her to the window. Q: Do you think that Opening Day should be a holiday in Southern California? We do. JH: A Southern California Holiday on Opening Day? Great idea. On the day that the Melbourne Cup is run in Australia the whole country shuts down. I don’t see why not here. I wonder who I call? Q: Where is the best place to watch the races from? JH: I think the best place to watch the races is from as close to the action as you can get. If “on the fence” is not your thing, the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant and the Stretch Run Grill are great. Q: Tell us about the second season you are debuting this year. JH: Our November season will be great. Different? Yes. A little fall in the air but the racing will be just as good and we’re working on some new and exciting things. Remember, we got our start because Hollywood came to Del Mar. I think we can renew that relationship. Q: If we ran into you at lunch in Del Mar, where would it be? JH: When I do eat lunch I can be anywhere. Director’s Room, Turf Club, Grandstand Concession Stand and even the Jockey’s Room. The more places I eat, the better idea I have of quality and service. Our concessionaire, Premier Foods, is terrific, so my job is pretty easy in that area.
DEL MAR RACING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Del Mar mobile is the must have app for regulars or rookies to the storied track. The “one-stop, one-source mobile app” features on-track mobile wagering, streaming of live races, race replays, Cybertote (real-time results, odds, will pays, scratches, etc.), a betting calculator and a calendar of Del Mar events and concerts. Consider it your virtual concierge. Available for any “smart” mobile device.
L’AUBERGE DEL MAR
TRANSPORTATION GETTING TO JIMMY DURANTE BLVD ON OPENING DAY ▷ BY CAR – if driving, arrive early (around noon), as there is
▷ SECONDARY PARKING LOT – parking is free here with shuttles
▷ BY TRAIN – take the train to the Solana Beach stop where a
▷ VALET – just follow the signs!
heavy traffic
free shuttle will pick you up to take you from the station to the racetrack—score!
▷ PARKING – $10 to 20 to park (arrive early for closer parking)
Joe Talamo
CHAMPION JOCKEY IN AMERICAN THOROUGHBRED HORSE RACING
Q: You started your career early. Did you always know what you wanted to do? Joe Talamo: Yes. At the age of 7 or 8 I wanted to be a jockey. Q: You win an awful lot. What percentage does the rider play in those wins? JT: I’d say the jockey plays about a 10% to 20% effect on the horse. You need a horse no matter what to get the job done. Q: How much do you weigh? Do you take pride in that or is it just part of the job? Is it difficult to maintain? JT: My weight is 114. I’m very fortunate to eat whatever I want, but at the same time, I workout everyday to maintain my strength and weight. Q: Have you fallen? How bad was it? Was it difficult to climb back on? JT: Yes we all fall. It’s not if you get hurt, but how bad in our
to and from the track—located on Via De La Valle by polo fields
▷ BY LIMO OR BUS – If you have a group of people, a limo or
bus is always a fun option, but keep in mind that you will still be sitting in traffic and will pay extra for Opening Day
sport. In 2009 I broke my wrist at Del Mar in a spill on the turf. Fortunately, that was my only bad spill. Q: What is the biggest race you have ever won? JT: I’ve won the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint, Santa Anita Derby and Wood Memorial in New York. Q: What is special about racing at Del Mar? JT: Besides the track and ocean views, the whole vibe around Del Mar, the whole season, is just great. Everyone is so excited to be there, and I love having that feeling while we race down there. Q: Where do you like to eat locally? JT: My favorite is The Pamplemousse across from the track. I’ve never had a bad meal there. Q: Do you form relationships with the horse the way they portray jockeys in the movies? JT: Yes. We get to know a lot of the horses we ride before we get on them to race. Q: Favorite horse movie? JT: Seabiscuit. Q: Where does your dream race take place and what happens? JT: I would love to win The Kentucky Derby!
15