Del Mar News & Announcements

These announcements and Press Releases are updated frequently. For Stable Notes and other race-related news, you can read our Stable News.

Assistant Trainers: The Men Behind the Successful Racing Operations at Del Mar


There are not a lot of guarantees in horse racing, but you can bet your bottom dollar that behind every successful trainer, there’s an excellent assistant.

Trainer Richard Mandella Named 2024 Winner of Pincay Award

Trainer Richard Mandella has been named the 20th recipient of the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award. He’ll be honored in that role at Del Mar on Saturday, August 31, FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic Day.

First Post Shifts to 3 P.M. at Del Mar this Friday

This Friday’s first post will shift from 4 p.m. to 3 p.m. and remain at that time on Fridays for the balance of the meet, which concludes on Sunday, September 8.

Better, Fitter, Faster and Stronger: Mike Smith at 59


What is behind Smith’s remarkable longevity in a sport that more times than not literally wears a jockey’s body down. It started one day when he went to play golf with a group of friends.

From Claiming Star to Jockey Agent: Jack Carava's Lifelong Jouney in Horseracing


Most men in their 50s are starting to entertain thoughts of retirement. Very few are contemplating a career change.

Traynor Scores Narrow Victory and $135,000 in the 21st Annual Del Mar Summer Challenge

Bob Traynor sealed the victory with a huge last-race win bet of nearly $10,000 to retake the lead and win by a nose at the wire.

Seven Young Interns Spend an Interesting Summer at Del Mar


Every year Del Mar offers an intern program for those aspiring to make a living in the horseracing industry, or at the very least, learn about its inner workings. Some are drawn to the horses, some are attracted by the electric environment of the racetrack and still others are curious about the business aspect of the place.

Del Mar Opening Day Hats Contest

The 30th annual Opening Day Hats Contest at Del Mar drew more than 150 contestants.

Two Stakes Highlight Del Mar' 85th Opening Day on Saturday

They’re off and running for the 85th time this Saturday at Del Mar, the iconic racetrack that sits alongside the blue Pacific just north of San Diego. In all there will be 11 races on the season’s first program, headed by a pair of stakes that have drawn large fields.

Keeneland Announces Inaugural Championship Sale in Del Mar Paddock on Wednesday of Breeders' Cup Week.

Keeneland Championship Sale to be included in Breeders’ Cup Official Event Calendar; offers rare opportunity to acquire high-value racehorses and breeding stock.