More than 66 years ago, the South American mare Encuesta emerged from the ranks of anonymity to record a notable piece of history, then just as quickly passed from significant view. Still, her name lingers in a distant corner of the sport, because the first to do anything is worth at least an occasional nod.
In the case of Encuesta, 5 at the time, her day of days was July 27, 1960, when she stormed through the stretch at odds of 35-1 under Rogelio Trejos in the final event of the afternoon to become the first horse to win a race on grass at Del Mar.
Fast forward nearly seven decades and grass racing rules a powerful portion of the Del Mar product, which will be on display July 17 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. Of the 21 graded stakes scheduled over the 32-day summer meet, 10 have been earmarked for a turf course that has weathered the years and changed with the times while retaining its unique hold on the imagination.
Where else can a jockey glance right on the turn for home and catch a glimpse of the sunlight on the Pacific?
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