Del Mar officials partnered with Barretts Equine Ltd. to host the inaugural Paddock Sale with the hopes of bringing potential new horse owners into the game.

That goal was achieved when Mark Nichols purchased two horses at the sale on Sunday, and became a proud new Thoroughbred owner.

Nichols has followed racing closely for many years…it’s not only his passion, but it’s how he makes his living. Nichols is a longtime gambler/professional horseplayer, and this past Sunday, he hit the Pick 6 at Saratoga. He nearly did the same at Del Mar, but had to settle for the consolation five out of six.

Nichols promptly cashed his tickets and hustled over to the sale, and invested that money back into the game.

“They say the game needs new people,” Nichols said. “I’m an old gambler, but now I’m a new horse owner.”