» Sign Up For Breaking News Alerts» Like Us On Facebook» Follow Us On Twitter

This year's meet averaged roughly 18,000 people a day after a record 47,000 showed up on Opening Day in July.

The races also averaged about $13 million in wagering every day, with roughly $670,000 being paid out to winners -- a new track record.

"This was a dream meet," said Del Mar Thoroughbred Club CEO Joe Harper. "The recession sort of went away this summer at Del Mar."

"We're up like 15 percent on-track, which is absolutely unheard of," added Harper, who said it was up 9 percent overall, which included off-track betting on Del Mar around the world.

The Thoroughbred Club is already looking towards the future, too. Plans have already been made to widen the inside turf track to accommodate more horses. Grass is already being grown for the wider track in the East County. Harper said they hope to attract the Breeders Cup World Championships to Del Mar.

"We'd have a little teeny, mini-meet here with huge crowds," he said.

Del Mar could also add a fall meet when Hollywood Park closes right up the highway.

"When it does happen, and it will happen," said Harper, "there's going to be some racing dates up for grabs and I think that Del Mar will probably get a few of those dates."