For the third summer in a row, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and North County Transit District have teamed up to provide racing fans an easy and economical way to enjoy a day at the races minus traffic hassles and parking fees.

            The combination ticket, called the “Pony Express,” offers a round-trip fare on the Coaster, Sprinter and Breeze, along with Stretch Run admission and a free shuttle between the Solana Beach Coaster station and the racetrack. Cost for the ticket is only $11, a $6 savings for racegoers. Additionally, those using the service save the $10 auto parking fee, allowing for a total savings of $16.

            The first year the service was in effect it was for weekends only. Last year it was expanded to each racing day, with the exception of Opening Day. The expanded schedule will hold true again this summer – all days with the exception of Opening Day, Thursday, July 17. Del Mar will race 36 days on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule for the most part up until Wednesday, September 3. It also will conduct racing on Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

            “Pony Express” passengers are ferried from the Solana Beach train station – which is approximately one mile north of the track – on DMTC’s fleet of English double-decker buses that accomodate all trains both arriving and leaving the station throughout the day.

            Tickets for the “Pony Express” special are available at all ticket vending machines at every NCTD station by pressing the “Current Promotions” button. Additionally, they can be pre-purchased on-line at www.GoNCTD.com/Races “Pony Express” riders will be able to pick up their admission tickets at the track’s Diamond Club booth near the Stretch Run gate in close proximity to the double-decker bus stop.

            Del Mar officials emphasize that “Pony Express” tickets have to be used in the context of attending the races, not merely for coming to the track’s post-race concerts. Those using the tickets and attending the races will have free access to concerts, just as all racing fans do. Those using the tickets to come after the races will be charged a $20 admission fee to enter the concerts, just as all late-comers are.

            The Coaster is NCTD’s scenic commuter train that runs along the coast between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. Breeze buses operate throughout North County San Diego. The Sprinter is a light-rail train that runs east and west along the Highway 78 corridor between Oceanside and Escondido. The Coaster and the Breeze Route 101, which operate along Coast Highway, stop at the Solana Beach station. More information and schedules are available at GONCTD.com

7/11/14                                                           ###