News

Revamped Surfside continues racing action

Surfside Race Place’s operations manager George Bradvica, left, with staff members Jesus Talamantes, center, and Michael King.

By Julie Sarno

Think horseracing is done for the year in Del Mar?

Although live racing has now finished for the year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the action continues — albeit by the television screen.

George Bradvica has brought many positive changes to Surfside Race Place since assuming the position of general manager just nine months ago.

Under his direction, the Del Mar Fairground’s satellite betting facility buzzed with set-up activity prior to its Sept. 7 re-opening after the live racing meet closed. Surfside has a fresh appearance — the building’s name has been repainted, the walkways are clean, the landscaping looks fresh.

Other recent enhancements were just finished, a newly redone floor on the patio outside the second-floor Saddle Club looked fresh and bright. Televisions and large flat screens were being positioned and adjusted. The entire facility was being readied for racing fans to follow their favorite horses on television now that live racing has moved back to the Los Angeles area.

Bradvica came to Surfside Race Place following 20 years in top positions at Fairplex, the 5/8 miles racetrack, which is part of the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona. Bradvica’s experience, enthusiasm and expertise have combined to bring about change at the satellite wagering facility on the fairgrounds.

In addition to greatly enhanced amenities, Surfside Race Place is now more fan-friendly. Bradvica has brought some good old-fashioned customer service to Surfside Race Place by making changes as a result of customer feedback.

“When customers see that you care, they give you ideas,” said Bradvica, who is in his early 50s. “People tell you what they want. They see that we are listening.”

Bradvica pulls out a two-page list of changes that have been made at Surfside since his arrival. The most visible change is the addition of a large number of huge television screens. According to his checklist of improvements, 20 projector televisions have been added around the facility and 26 42” plasma televisions were added in the General Admission and Saddle Club areas as well as four 50” plasma screens on the downstairs outside patio.

In the Saddle Club, eight 50” plasma screens have been added. The $10 per person admission charge in the Saddle Club corresponds with added amenities. The surroundings resemble a cross between an upscale restaurant and a sports bar. Carpet, cloth-covered tables, wood trim and nice lighting fixtures are liberally sprinkled throughout and large televisions line the walls. Thirty 32” LCD televisions have been redeployed in the Saddle Club and general admission areas. Tables for big bettors feature a television “wall.”

Located on the second floor, the Saddle Club now has the look of a plush Sports Book in Las Vegas. A full-service restaurant with wait staff, the Saddle Club has the added appeal of watching and betting on races brought in from a southern California track such as Fairplex now through Monday Sept. 24. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 26 is Oak Tree at Santa Anita, followed by Hollywood Park.

In addition to improvements to the entry, gift shops and restrooms, the outside front patio has seen changes. Already a wagering area, it has been improved with new landscaping, the aforementioned televisions, large round tables with umbrellas and comfortable chairs, a freshly painted canopy for shade and two self-service betting machines. For night racing signals, additional lighting was added as well as space heaters.

“That’s what it’s all about, the personal interaction between the management, customers and employees,” said Bradvica, who makes his home in Carlsbad with his three children. “If people enjoy themselves, they’ll serve the customers better.”

Bradvica says he is proud to work at Surfside Race Place. It is the largest off track wagering facility in California. Surfside now offers more than 1,000 televisions and a Las Vegas-style race book complete with 180 plush seats, individual televisions and over-sized-desktops for spreading out one’s Daily Racing Form, program and other handicapping materials.

Surfside Race Place caters to many tastes. In addition to racing, football viewing will be offered in the Theater and Saddle Club on weekends. Daily lunch specials are offered in general admission areas. Last year, Surfside instituted the Diamond Club. Members receive half-price general admission, paying $2 instead of $4 and receive free parking at Surfside, even when other events are held at the fairgrounds. Also during the Fairplex meet, Diamond Club members are eligible for a daily $100 drawing..

At Surfside, fans will be able to keep up with their favorite runners from the recent Del Mar meet.

Many of the recent winners look to make their mark in one of the 11 Breeders’ Cup races at Monmouth Park this year on Oct. 26 and 27. Runners such as Del Mar Futurity winner Georgie Boy and Del Mar Debutante winner Set Play will start once more, probably during the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita, prior to shipping back to New Jersey to the Breeders’ Cup Championship at Monmouth Park.

Millennium Farms’ Student Council earned a berth in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic by winning the $1 Million Pacific Classic during the recently completed race meet. Pat O’Brien Handicap winner Greg’s Gold and Del Mar Mile winner Crossing the Line earned their way into their respective Breeders’ Cup divisions.

For more information about hours of operation, go to surfsideraceplace.com.

Season debut of First Thursdays

Zus van Thillo and Lisa Lutz at First Thursdays on Sept. 6.

By Priscilla L. Fawcett

“New Flamenco” music heralded the 8th season of First Thursdays at the Del Mar Powerhouse on September 6. Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Committee of the Del Mar Foundation, celebrated husband and wife artists Javid and Naoko with pungent accompaniment featured the virtuosity of classical guitar to probe tunnels of sensual rhythms created by timely percussion. The performance featured medleys of familiar tunes rendering distinctive flavors of traditional Flamenco, Afro-Cuban and Mid-Eastern cadences. The evening’s joyous climax was highlighted by Javid’s vocal presentation.