Joe Harper Honored with Laffit Pincay Jr. Award
Joe Harper, a pivotal figure at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for nearly five decades, has been bestowed with the esteemed Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award. This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the horse racing industry.
Del Mar CEO Joe Harper Receives Esteemed Laffit Pincay Jr. Award
In a momentous announcement, Joe Harper, the venerable leader of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, has been named the 22nd recipient of the prestigious Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award. The accolade will be formally presented next Saturday, August 24, 2026, amidst the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the 36th running of Del Mar's flagship event, the Pacific Classic (G1). This honor acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional integrity, profound dedication, steadfast determination, and distinguished service to the sport of racing. Harper, 83, recently declared his intention to step down from his full-time chief executive role at the close of this year, transitioning to CEO emeritus. He will, however, maintain his valuable presence on the DMTC Board of Directors.
Since joining Del Mar in 1977, this California native and grandson of the legendary Hollywood producer Cecil B. DeMille has been an overwhelmingly positive force, not only for the Del Mar track but also for California racing and the broader horse racing community. His tenure saw Del Mar undergo an extensive $80 million reconstruction, a testament to his vision and leadership. He was instrumental in establishing the track's $1 million Pacific Classic and facilitated the Breeders’ Cup's presence at the iconic seaside venue on four separate occasions, effectively becoming the public face of racing at one of the nation’s premier racetracks.
Harper’s career is distinguished by a profound commitment to Thoroughbred racing and its associated charitable and equine health initiatives. His extensive involvement includes membership in The Jockey Club, past presidency and board directorship of the Federation of California Racing Associations, past presidency and directorship of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, and former chairmanship of the Advisory Board Center for Equine Health for the University of California, Davis. He also served as a former member of the Advisory Board of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, former director of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, former chairman of the Winner’s Foundation, and currently serves as a trustee of the Cecil B. DeMille Foundation. Joe Harper has been married to his wife Barbara for 62 years, and they are proud parents to four daughters and doting grandparents to nine grandchildren.
Laffit Pincay Jr., for whom the award is named, enjoyed a illustrious 39-season riding career, including 27 summers at Del Mar. He earned five Eclipse Awards as the nation’s leading rider and remains Del Mar’s all-time top rider with an astounding 1,013 victories. Pincay led the country in earnings seven times, accumulating an exceptional victory record. He retired in 2003 as racing’s winningest rider with 9,530 first-place finishes. Now 79, he resides in Arcadia, near Santa Anita.
The recognition of Joe Harper with the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact individuals can have on an industry through unwavering dedication and ethical leadership. Harper's journey underscores the importance of long-term vision, strategic planning, and a deep-seated passion for one's craft. His contributions extend beyond mere operational management, touching upon the very fabric of horse racing, from infrastructure development to advocating for equine welfare and industry growth. This award not only celebrates his past achievements but also highlights the enduring values of integrity and distinction that are crucial for the continued flourishing of any sport. For current and future leaders, Harper’s career offers a compelling blueprint for sustained success and meaningful legacy-building within their respective fields.