Gabrielle Benot's Inspiring Del Mar Opening Day Experience

A Perfect Day at "Where the Turf Meets the Surf"

Del Mar isn't just any race track—it's one of the most exclusive and prestigious racing venues in the world. Since opening in 1937, founded by Hollywood stars Bing Crosby and Pat O'Brien, this oceanfront track has drawn racing enthusiasts from across the globe. The famous slogan "Where the Turf Meets the Surf" captures the unique magic of this seaside racing paradise, where the Pacific Ocean creates a stunning backdrop for world-class thoroughbred racing.

People travel from around the world not just for opening day, but for the entire summer season and especially for the Breeders' Cup events that showcase the finest horses in racing. The track's rich history includes hosting legendary horses like Seabiscuit, who raced here during the track's early years, and continuing today as home to major stakes races that attract international attention.

July 18th, 2025, was a gorgeous opening day at Del Mar Race Track—perfect weather, excited crowds, and the incredible energy of thoroughbreds racing down the home stretch. For Del Mar equine artist Gabrielle Benot, it was exactly the kind of day that reminds her why she fell in love with painting horses.

There's something special about being surrounded by people who live and breathe the horse world—it's that authentic connection that shows up in every one of her paintings.

"There's something magical about opening day at Del Mar," Gabrielle says. "You can feel the anticipation in the air, see it in the horses' eyes, and witness the incredible partnership between horse and jockey that I try to capture in every painting."

Having collectors who actually race horses at Del Mar makes her work even more meaningful. These aren't just people buying pretty pictures—they're horse people who recognize the real spirit of racing in her art.

From Track to Canvas: Gabrielle Benot's Equine Artistry

This Del Mar experience perfectly illustrates why Gabrielle Benot has become Southern California's premier equine artist. Her deep connection to the horse racing world isn't just professional—it's personal. Many of her collectors are track owners, trainers, and racing enthusiasts who recognize the authenticity in her work.

From her Del Mar studio, Gabrielle creates equine masterpieces using her signature mixed media technique that brings three-dimensional texture to canvas. Her paintings don't just show horses; they capture their spirit, power, and the electric energy she witnessed firsthand at Del Mar's opening day.

Why Racing Enthusiasts Choose Gabrielle's Art

Gabrielle's unique background combines formal training at Copenhagen's prestigious Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design, with genuine passion for the equestrian world. This combination allows her to create works that speak to both serious collectors and racing fans who want art that truly understands their sport.

Her pieces like "Merrick II," "Aster," and "In The Money" showcase horses in motion, capturing the same energy and grace that thrills crowds at Del Mar. Using innovative techniques where she mixes various materials directly into thick paint, each painting reveals new details as light changes throughout the day—much like watching horses move around the track.

The Del Mar Connection

Having several collectors who own horses at Del Mar creates a special authenticity in Gabrielle's work. She's not painting from imagination or photographs alone—she's capturing the real spirit of horses she knows, owned by people she calls friends. This personal connection shows in every textured brushstroke.

One of her most meaningful commissions was painting Raging Torrent, the remarkable thoroughbred trained by Doug O'Neill. Raging Torrent achieved incredible success, including winning the $1 million Metropolitan Handicap (G1) at Saratoga in June 2025, defeating older division heavyweights Fierceness and White Abarrio under jockey Frankie Dettori. The horse also captured the prestigious Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park in December 2024, earning his first Grade 1 victory, and won back-to-back Godolphin Mile (G2) victories in Dubai, giving Doug O'Neill consecutive wins in this international race. Raging Torrent began his career with a maiden victory at Del Mar in July 2023, making the commission especially meaningful for Gabrielle. Though the champion was recently retired due to a suspensory injury, Gabrielle's painting immortalizes this exceptional horse's racing legacy. alone, but capturing the real spirit of horses she knows, owned by people she calls friends.

Custom Commissions for the Racing World

For horse owners, trainers, and racing enthusiasts, Gabrielle offers custom commissions that capture specific horses or racing moments. Working collaboratively with clients, she creates personalized masterpieces that celebrate their connection to the sport.

Whether it's immortalizing a champion racehorse, capturing a special moment at the track, or creating a piece that celebrates the racing lifestyle, Gabrielle's commissioning process ensures each work reflects both her distinctive style and the client's unique story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Gabrielle Benot the best equine artist for racing enthusiasts? Gabrielle combines formal art training with genuine connections to the horse racing world. Many of her collectors own horses at Del Mar, giving her authentic insight into the sport. Her innovative mixed media techniques capture the movement and energy that racing fans recognize and love.

Where can racing fans see her work? Del Mar CA, Florida, Saratoga Springs Spa Fine Art Gallery, La Jolla, Miami, Palm Desert, Paso Robles, Naples, Los Angeles. Her work is also featured online at gabriellebenot.com and on prestigious platforms like 1stDibs and Artsy.

Does she attend other racing events? Gabrielle regularly attends Del Mar races and other equestrian events throughout Southern California, often spending time with her collectors who own horses. These experiences continuously inspire her art.

Can she paint specific racehorses? Absolutely! Gabrielle accepts custom commissions for specific horses, working with owners to create personalized masterpieces that capture their horse's unique spirit and achievements.

What's her connection to Del Mar Race Track? Beyond being a Del Mar resident and artist, Gabrielle has built relationships with track regulars, horse owners, and racing enthusiasts who collect her work. This community gives her authentic insight into the racing world.

How does she capture movement in her paintings? Gabrielle's signature mixed media technique involves mixing various materials directly into thick paint applications, creating three-dimensional texture that seems to move as light changes. This technique perfectly captures the dynamic energy of horses in motion.

What sizes are available for racing-themed art? Her equine works range from intimate 36x36 pieces perfect for home collections to commanding 5x6 and 6x7 foot masterpieces that make dramatic statements in larger spaces.

How long has she been connected to the racing world? Through her collectors and the tight-knit Del Mar community, Gabrielle has developed deep connections to local horse racing over her years as a professional artist in the area.

Are her paintings good investments? As her reputation grows and pieces become increasingly sought after on platforms like 1stDibs and Artsy, early collectors are seeing appreciation in their investments. Each piece includes authentication documentation ensuring provenance.

How can I commission a racing-themed piece? Contact Gabrielle directly through her website to discuss your vision. She works collaboratively with clients to ensure each commissioned work captures their specific connection to the racing world.

Does she sell prints and reproductions? Yes, on her website at https://gabriellebenot.com/collections/art-prints.

Experience the Authentic Spirit of Horse Racing Through Art

Gabrielle Benot's Del Mar opening day experience perfectly captures why her equine art resonates so deeply with racing enthusiasts. From the exclusive atmosphere of the Turf Club to the intimate moments with horses and jockeys behind the scenes, she brings authentic racing world experiences to every canvas.

For collectors who understand that great equine art comes from genuine connection to the horse world, Gabrielle Benot offers pieces that celebrate not just the beauty of horses, but the entire culture and community that surrounds them.

Visit Gabrielle Benot Contemporary Art:
Del Mar, CA
Website: gabriellebenot.com

Whether you're a track regular, horse owner, or simply someone who appreciates the magnificent partnership between human and horse, Gabrielle's work captures the authentic spirit of the racing world where the turf truly meets the surf.