Opening Day to feature traditional festivities and more Nani Richards, Chanel Stephens and Lauren Donahue were participants in the 2019 Opening Day Hats Contest. (Jon Clark) Racegoers have extra reason to celebrate Del Mar’s Opening Day this year. Not only does it mark the return of one of the region’s major social scene events, but it’s also the first time the public will be permitted to return to the track since the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down in March 2020. “Welcoming back racing fans is what we’re definitely most looking forward to (this season),” said Chris Bahr, director of events and promotions.