Racetrack sports concerts and contests

DEL MAR — The fun continues at the Del Mar Racetrack as this season rolls out with friendly competition and the first Saturday concert. Thoroughbreds and cougars will make their way to the track hoping for a win in the Cougar II Handicap and Miss Cougar Del Mar contest. With plenty of spirited competition, Del Mar’s first full week of racing comes accompanied by some of the season’s most anticipated events.
— Miss Cougar Del Mar and the Cougar II Handicap July 29. Del Mar’s longest stakes race, the mile-and-one-half Cougar II Handicap, will run honoring its namesake Hall of Fame runner. Finalists for Miss Cougar Del Mar will be vying for the title in the third annual Miss Cougar Del Mar contest. Determined by online and text votes, the winner of Miss Cougar Del Mar 2011 will be announced during the races that day and invited to present the trophy for the Cougar II Handicap. Submissions are currently being accepted on delmarscene.com.
— 4 O’clock Fridays continue with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club July 29. After the horses have raced and Miss Cougar crowned, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club will take the stage for the second 4 O’clock Friday concert. Their alternative, garage rock revival hits are sure to entertain and light up the new Seaside Stage.
— First Saturday Concert and Beer Fest July 30: Ziggy Marley salutes the Legends of Reggae. For the first of only two Saturday concerts, Marley will salute the legends of reggae with mellow beats and a special set. In conjunction with the concert, Del Mar will host its first beer fest of the season, where guests can choose to sample up to 60 different brews while enjoying the show.
Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesdays through Sundays, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post is at 4 p.m. There will be a special Monday racing card on Labor Day, Sept. 5. For more information, call (858) 755-1141 or visit delmarscene.com. You can follow the Del Mar racetrack on Twitter, @DelMarRacing or become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/DelMarRaces.