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Dennis Moore, the director of truck maintenance at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, emphasizes that “safety is everything.” Every day before sunrise, he begins his work on a seaside truck in Southern California, making safety his top priority. A second-generation track manager who started working on tracks like Hollywood Park and Santa Anita Park back in the 1940s, Moore has been managing the dirt race surface at Del Mar since 2017. Thanks to the commitment of Moore and his team, racing in Southern California is safer than ever.
Moore’s role is demanding, with early starts at around 5 to 5:30 a.m. six days a week, often working until after 8:30 p.m. He has been dedicated to this craft for 53 years, beginning at Los Alamitos in 1972 when he was hired for a nine-week stint that turned into decades. Although Del Mar’s summer racing season begins in mid-July, Moore’s preparation starts as early as April, reshaping grades, slopes, and crossings around the dirt track oval.
During the San Diego County Fair, held from June through early July, the track’s facilities, including the dirt truck areas, are compressed due to car parking needs. Moore and his team then spend time loosening and reworking the track surface after the fair to ensure optimal conditions for the summer racing season.
Over the years, some equipment has evolved significantly, especially the tractors and motor graders. What once was pulled by a plow horse now features hydraulic systems with air suspension and stereo systems — highly advanced and technical compared to earlier machinery.
Most maintenance visible to fans during race breaks is cosmetic, with serious preparation occurring during morning training and just before races begin. Moore describes thorough renovations involving watering, harrowing, and smoothing the track to prevent buildup and ensure a ready surface for racing.
Despite the seemingly consistent sunny weather at Del Mar, Moore notes subtle weather shifts throughout the day, including marine layers, wind, and dampness, all of which influence track conditions. The salty ocean air also affects the dirt, requiring careful management and regular application of light sand coatings to maintain a consistent racing surface.
Moore monitors race times closely to ensure the track conditions support fair and competitive racing, always prioritizing the safety of both horses and jockeys. His approach aims at long-term safety and quality, viewing the racing season as a marathon rather than a sprint.
(This story was originally published by the Paulick Report on August 1, 2025.)
Fan Take: This inside glimpse into Del Mar’s track maintenance reveals the meticulous work behind ensuring horse and rider safety in racing. For fans, it’s a reminder that keeping the sport safe and competitive requires dedication and advanced technology, which ultimately helps preserve the tradition and excitement of horse racing.
