Del Mar Scene

Check out what's new on the Scene at Del Mar: unique fashion, the 411 on food and brews, and tips on betting the races.

Geovanni Franco Notches 1,000th Career Win at Del Mar Via DQ

By Jim Charvat Geovanni Franco © Benoit Photo Jockey Geovanni Franco notched his 1,000th career win Saturday when the horse he was riding in the second race at Del Mar, Miss Commander, was moved up...

Tyler Baze is Loving Life After his Brush With Death

Two weeks into the Bing Crosby Season and jockey Tyler Baze has three wins from eleven mounts. Not bad for a guy who was on death’s doorstep just a few months ago. Baze has been...

Phil D'Amato Eyes A Fifth Straight Trainings Title at Del Mar

By Jim Charvat Trainer Phil D’Amato has won the last four training titles at Del Mar, beginning with the Fall Meet in 2021. He followed up with another title run in the summer of 2022,...

Maldonado Poised for Another Top Ten Finish at Del Mar

By Jim Charvat Edwin Maldonado Chances are these days if a horse bursts out of the gate and seizes the lead early, jockey Edwin Maldonado is riding him. The veteran rider has built a reputation...

Sandia Creek Turns Racehorses into Show Horses

Red King in the GII Del Mar Handicap © Benoit Photo By Jay Privman In hills above Fallbrook, Calif., about 40 miles northeast of Del Mar racetrack, several horses who once competed with distinction at...

Del Mar Horse Whisperer: Camacho Revered for Calm

Outrider for 43 years provides extra level of comfort, safety to all.

Stakes Winner Mr. Vargas Thriving in Second Career

By Jay Privman Mr Vargas © Courtesy CARMA When Erica Cohn was in the market for a riding horse, she had a requirement she thought non-negotiable. “I didn’t want a Thoroughbred,” she said. It didn’t...

Pacific Classic Countdown Begins

Stilleto Boy © Benoti Photo Start the clock. The countdown has begun for the 33rd running of the $1 million, G1 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, now less than a month away. Del Mar’s marquee race...

Fresu Makes Good First Impression at Del Mar

Antonio Fresu © Benoit Photo Antonio Fresu is one of the new kids in the Del Mar jockey’s room. He’s also one of the most accomplished. He’s only been in the United States for a...

Rispoli Brings International Experience to Jockey Colony

Umberto Rispoli © Alex Evers Jockey Umberto Rispoli loves riding at Del Mar. And it shows. Since arriving at the seaside oval in the summer of 2020, he has never finished out of the top...