Del Mar Races © Benoit Photo

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club today announced significant enhancements to its two-year-old racing program, reinforcing the track’s long-standing commitment to developing juvenile runners while expanding opportunities for owners, trainers and breeders.

Beginning with the 2026 Summer season, which opens July 17, Del Mar will offer $100,000 open maiden races for two-year-olds on the main track. These enhanced purses, for both colts and fillies, underscore the early success of California’s new single-circuit structure and reaffirm the importance of juvenile racing to the seaside oval.

In addition, Del Mar will introduce new conditions for select two-year-old maiden races restricted by auction purchase price, limited to horses purchased for $150,000 or less. These special-condition main-track races will offer a purse of $70,000, while all other maiden allowance races will carry a purse of $80,000.

These multi-tiered offerings are designed to broaden participation and create meaningful opportunities for a wider range of owners, trainers and breeders, while maintaining Del Mar’s traditionally high level of competition.

“Two-year-old racing has a long and storied history at Del Mar,” said David Jerkens, Del Mar’s Senior Vice President of Racing. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to honoring that tradition while adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.”

Del Mar has long been recognized as a showcase for elite juvenile performers, with generations of top-class two-year-olds launching their careers Where the Turf Meets the Surf en route to success in the Triple Crown campaign and other marquee races. The updated program continues that legacy, combining prestige, opportunity and competitive balance.

Additional details regarding race conditions and schedules will be available in the official condition book, available in mid-May.

Del Mar’s 87th summer season runs from July 17 through September 7. For more information, visit DelMarRacing.com.