Del Mar’s 86th Summer Meet, which ran from July 18 through September 7, delivered a stellar combination of competitive racing, deep fields, and record breaking wagering.

Key Numbers & Trends

• Total handle reached approximately $535.15 million, up 6.7 percent from last summer.
• Daily average wagering climbed to above $17 million.
• Field sizes averaged 8.7 starters per race, showing depth in the entries.
• Daily purses averaged near $884,000, placing Del Mar at the top of the California circuit.

Standout Races & Performances

• Pacific Classic Day highlighted the season as Fierceness captured the million dollar Grade 1 race over Preakness winner Journalism.
• Invaders from outside California and local stars made for deep, competitive stakes fields.
• The Del Mar Futurity, Debutante, Best Pal, Del Mar Oaks, and Clement L. Hirsch Stakes served as key preps.

Stars of the Meet: Jockeys, Trainers, Owners

• Juan Hernandez led the jockey standings for the fourth year in a row with 45 wins total, including six wins on a single card.
• Bob Baffert claimed his 10th Del Mar training title and his second consecutive crown.
• Local Southern California Racing Syndicate led the way with just over $1,000,000 in earnings.

What Made This Year Different

• In the first summer season since the closing of Golden Gate Fields, California’s single circuit structure boosted competition and attendance.
• There were 38 stakes races offering nearly $8 million in purses, several with Breeders’ Cup qualifiers.
• Attendance, while still below pre-Covid highs, rose 3 percent, highlighted by a sold-out Opening Day and Pacific Classic Day.

Looking Ahead: The Fall & Beyond

• The Bing Crosby season runs October 30 through November 30.
• The Breeders’ Cup World Championships take place October 31 and November 1.
• Horses like Fierceness and other graded winners will target major autumn assignments.