DEL MAR -- Fifteen motorists are facing drunken driving charges Thursday stemming from a multi-agency crackdown on opening day at the Del Mar Racetrack, authorities said. Sources told 10News that jockey Mike Smith was also arrested Wednesday on a charge of driving under the influence, though it is not yet clear if he is being counted among the 15.
Smith won the Oceanside Stakes riding a horse named Mr. Commons at the Del Mar Racetrack Wednesday.
San Diego County sheriff's deputies, along with police from San Diego, Oceanside and other local cities, stopped a total of 349 motorists near the track between 3 p.m. Wednesday and midnight, according to the sheriff's Lt. Jose Sanchez.
In addition to the 15 arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, two were arrested on suspicion of drug possession and four were arrested for driving with a suspended license, Sanchez said.
Also, 35 citations were issued for various traffic violations and 14 vehicle were impounded during the operation, the lieutenant said.
An estimated 40,000 race fans flocked to Del Mar Wednesday to kick off the 72nd season of horse racing at the Del Mar Racetrack. Races are scheduled Wednesdays through Sundays though September 7th.
