As any San Diegan knows, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is the stuff of legends. In terms of attendance and handles, it’s been recognized as North America’s leading racetrack for over a decade. Over the span of its six-week season, average attendance has climbed past 37,000, with average daily handle soaring past $13 million.

The 2006 race season at the Del Mar Racetrack is as strong as ever, with money flying over the counter in both directions. Newbies flock to the Newcomers’ Seminars on Wednesdays and Thursdays, learning how to depart with as little hard-earned money as possible. If you haven’t had the chance to join the festivities, don’t worry—the season doesn’t end until September sixth.

If you’d rather save your cash, you can still have fun at the racetrack’s famous “Four ‘O Clock Friday” concerts. National music acts like The Flaming Lips, Violent Femmes, and Billy Idol have drawn in sizeable crowds, and other acts Jimmy Eat World and Matt Costa are scheduled near the season’s close.