Track's long-time CEO remembers money-fueled panic at his first opener in 1977
Standing in his stylish office overlooking the paddock at Del Mar Racetrack, CEO Joe Harper leaned against an ornate desk to consider a question as opening day lurched to life below.
The track needed $4 million to seed the mutuel windows and open the gates. The truck showed up with $10,000. The massive miscommunication meant the facility was in danger of not opening … on Harper’s first day.Harper scrambled to come up with money, as widely and creatively as possible. Del Mar board member John C. Mabee, founder of the Big Bear Markets chain that eventually was sold to Albertsons, raided cash drawers at his supermarkets.
Then there was the safe. As Harper began to roll out the story’s steak, his eyes sparkled and a grin crept across his face.
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