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Water quality improvements will take longer and cost more than expected at the Del Mar Horsepark, a 65-acre equestrian facility two miles east of the fairgrounds, officials said last week.
The 22nd District Agricultural Association, which operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the separate horse park, announced in December they would suspend all equestrian shows, boarding and other activities at the horse park until the work can be done.
“We originally believed we would be spending $3 million to comply,” said Richard Valdez, president of the 22nd DAA board of directors, also known as the Del Mar fair board. However, similar situations at equestrian facilities in Orange County and the threat of lawsuits by environmental nonprofits such as San Diego Coastkeeper indicate the work needed could cost as much as $8 million.