Del Mar Concludes Successful Summer Racing Season with Increased Wagering and Notable Title Wins
The 2026 summer racing season at Del Mar concluded on a high note, demonstrating robust growth in wagering figures across all platforms. This positive outcome is largely attributed to the consistent participation of numerous horses, leading to an average of 8.6 starters per race, a statistic proudly highlighted by the track as a leader within the industry. This strong showing reflects the commitment of horsemen and women to Del Mar, which in turn provided an exceptional wagering product for enthusiasts.
Highlighting the meet's success, the total handle for Del Mar races throughout the 32-day period reached an impressive $366.8 million, marking a 3.1% increase compared to the 2025 summer meet. Furthermore, the all-sources wagering climbed to $546.8 million, showing a 2.3% rise from the previous year. A pivotal moment of the season was Pacific Classic day, which featured four graded stakes and culminated in Knightsbridge's triumph in the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1), the richest race in the West. This single day generated over $29 million in wagers, making it the second-highest handle day in the track's history. Beyond the races, Del Mar maintained its reputation as a vibrant social hub, with a sold-out opening day and a diverse calendar of events that drew a total attendance of 279,120, despite a slight decrease from the previous year.
Among the individual achievements, jockey Joel Rosario made a remarkable comeback, securing his fourth Del Mar riding title and his first since 2011. His victory, with 42 wins, was particularly impressive given a slow start to the season and came after he overtook last year's leading rider, Juan Hernandez, who finished with 37 wins and led all jockeys with 14 stakes victories. In the training division, Doug O'Neill dominated from the outset, winning 27 races to claim the training title. He maintained a significant lead over Bob Baffert, last summer's top trainer, who finished with 17 wins but led with six stakes victories. Additionally, Reddam Racing distinguished itself as the leading owner, accumulating nine wins and substantial purse earnings.
The successful conclusion of the Del Mar summer meet underscores the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of horse racing. The dedication of participants, the strategic management of the track, and the enthusiastic engagement of fans collectively create an atmosphere of excellence and achievement. This positive momentum fosters continued growth and innovation within the sport, ensuring its future remains bright and dynamic.