1937 -- Bing Crosby is there to greet the first fan through the gate as Del Mar opens.

1938 -- The famous Seabiscuit-Ligaroti match race is held on August 12 and it draws 20,000 to the track and a nationwide radio audience. After a furious duel, Seabiscuit under George (The Iceman) Woolf and 130 pounds beats Ligaroti and Noel (Spec) Richardson at 115 by a nose.

1942-43-44 --Del Mar is 'dark' as the U.S. plunges into World War II. Initially, the grounds are used for training by the Marines, then as a manufacturing site for parts to B-17 bombers.

1945 -- The war ends and Del Mar begins again. When Japan surrenders, President Truman declares a national holiday for August 15 and 20,324 turn out at the track and bet a whopping $958,476, a Del Mar record.

1946 -- Indian Watch and War Allies deadheat for the win in the first running of the Bing Crosby Handicap. The six-furlong dash goes on to become the track's annual sprint championship and year after year draws the quickest in the west for speed battles deluxe.

1947 -- The Santa Fe Railroad brings both racehorses and bettors south to Del Mar to do their thing. Cheering the arrival of the "racetrack special" from Los Angeles becomes a popular tradition for the locals.

1948 -- A new crop of Hollywood types makes Del Mar the spot to be for summer frolic. Among the celebs who join in the turf and surf fun this year are Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Betty Grable, George Jessel, Mickey Rooney and Jimmy Durante. Durante becomes such a regular that the track eventually names its turf course in his honor.

1949 -- A young rider out of Texas sets a Del Mar record of 52 wins at the meet and becomes the first apprentice to claim the track's riding title. His name is William Lee Shoemaker, and his history and that of the track will become entwined hereafter.