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.

The Building of a Classic: How the Pacific Classic was Created


Money was moved around, negotiations led to agreements, and in 1991 things were in place for John Mabee’s signature race.

$1 Million Pacific Classic Tops Rich Saturday Card Offering Five Graded Stakes


Five graded stakes, more than $2 million in purses, a trio of free rides into the Breeders’ Cup, 11 chances to get rich and famous – what more could a horseman or horse woman, not to mention a horse player -- ask for on a Saturday afternoon?

First Post Shifts to 1:30 P.M. for All Days Except Fridays Starting This Weekend


Starting this Saturday – Pacific Classic Day – first post for all racing days but Fridays will shift from the usual 2 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Adare Manor Tops 9 Set for $1-Million 'Classic' at Del Mar


Adare Manor attempts to become just the second mare to the win the Grade I FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic.

Protecting the Game of Racing One Horse at a Time


“I am the unequivocal advocate for the horse. I am independent. I am not beholding to anybody. I just do what I believe is best for the horse. Sometimes it’s on a big stage and it’s very public."

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.