Del Mar Gate Break © Benoit Photo
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club celebrated the conclusion of its 86th summer racing season on Sunday, reporting substantial increases in wagering – both total and average daily – as well as field size over the 2024 summer meeting. The track also continued to offer the highest daily purse distribution in California.
Total wagering for the meet reached $535.15 million, an increase of 6.7% from last summer’s $501.57 million. Average daily handle rose to $17.26 million, up from $16.18 million in 2024. Del Mar also averaged 8.7 starters per race, up from 8.6 in 2024, and $884,000 per day in total purse distribution.
"While our summer meet always produces strong business results, this season received an exceptional response from racing fans both here and across the country. It is clear that California’s new single-circuit structure is having a positive effect," said Josh Rubinstein, Del Mar's President.
The highlight of the meet was Pacific Classic Day, which featured five graded stakes races, including a brilliant winning performance by Fierceness in the $1 Million Pacific Classic. The day also saw impressive victories by several other major contenders for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Wagering on Pacific Classic Day topped $27 million, underscoring the event's popularity and significance.
Including the Pacific Classic, Del Mar hosted six Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win And You're In" races during the summer meeting, drawing strong fields and national attention.
Opening Day was once again a sold-out event, affirming its place as one of Southern California’s most anticipated summer social events. On-track attendance increased by 3.1% over 2024’s figures. The meet also featured a full slate of lifestyle promotions, including a craft beer festival, tacos and tequila fiesta, wine tasting, and college day happenings.
"As we wrap up and prepare for the Breeders' Cup next month, I want to thank our partners here, the horsemen and women who help us consistently put forward such outstanding racing card after card, year after year, and the racing fans who support us with their wagering," said Joe Harper, Chief Executive Officer of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
Juan Hernandez led the jockey standings with 45 wins during the 31-day meet. Bob Baffert won the training crown as he saddled 24 winners. Mia Familla Racing Stable was the leading owner by wins, with six trips to the Winner’s Circle, while Derrick Smith, Repole Stable, Michael Tabor, and Mrs. John Magnier topped all owners in purse earnings with $600,000. In the ever-expanding category of co-partnerships, Little Red Feather Racing led the way with $1,003,500 in earnings, including four stakes race wins.
“Hats off to our members, horsemen and women, and horseplayers everywhere who continue to support California racing,” said Thoroughbred Owners of California Chairman Gary Fenton. “This meet built on the momentum of the new single-circuit, showcasing both the strength of California racing and the timeless magic of Del Mar.”
Racing returns to Del Mar this fall for the track’s annual Bing Crosby Season, running from October 30 through November 30. The highlight of the race meeting will be the prestigious Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set for October 31 and November 1. This year marks the fourth time Del Mar has hosted the World Championships, following successful editions in 2017, 2021 and 2024.