Del Mar shooting for mid-May start of training on new track

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The installation of Del Mar's new dirt racing surface is almost complete with training planned to begin on May 15.

The process of installing the new "El Segundo sand" track is expcted to be done by the end of April followd by cleaning up going into May. Track superintendent Richard Tedesco and his staff will begin preparing the new dirt surface on May 4 for training. Eleven days later 2-year-olds, part of Barrett's 2-year-olds-in-training sale slated for May 28, are expected to train on the track.

The main track's inner rail is being reinstalled with about a quarter mile of rail to complete. Still to come is the adjustment to the outer rail around the oval. That will take about two weeks to be completed.

Del Mar's winner's circle was raised to adjust for the new track and given a fresh flooring of AstroTurf.

Del Mar will present its 76th season of thoroughbred racing starting on Thursday, July 16 and running through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7. Following its summer meet, Del Mar will return once again for a second consecutive "fall" racing season with 20 days planned between Thursday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 29.