July 24, 1968 The 1968 Del Mar racing season opened, and the horses ran before some pretty famous folks...there were Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Durante, lovely wife of actor Rory Calhoun. Mr. George Jessel, marine sergeant Jimmy Howard, medal of honor winner, and Desi Arnaz. The call to the post for the first race...and they're off and running. The first half of the daily double was a six-furlong race for three-year-olds and – upward with Best Dancer going to the post as the favorite. Down the stretch they come. The form players in the opening day crowd got to cash their tickets in the opening race for Best Dancer with William Mahoney in the silks. The first winner in the 42-day meet at Del Mar. August 2, 1968 One of the most notable residents of the Del Mar stable area, the three-year-old star, Poleax, winner of over $160,000. Poleax is taking a flyer this weekend in quest of the winner’s share of the $100,000 added American derby in Chicago. He steps in against Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Forward Pass in the Chicago race but will be one of the choices off his impressive victory in the Hollywood Derby last month. Bill Hartack, currently riding at Del Mar, will ride Poleax in Chicago. W.R. Hawn, Poleax’s owner is the chairman of the board at the local track by the side of the sea. More from CBS 8: Website: https://www.cbs8.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBS8 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News8 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbs8