Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has announced an official partnership with Keeneland Sales beginning with Del Mar’s summer race meet on July 21.

Del Mar and Keeneland Sales had partnered previously to mutual advantage, most recently in 2019. The new arrangement between the pair of Thoroughbred celebrities is planned for multiple seasons.

Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale and its November Breeding Stock Sale are two of the most highly anticipated sale events in the nation. Del Mar’s summer – and now fall – sessions are among the country’s foremost race meetings.

As part of the orchestration around the partnership, Keeneland Sales will become the presenting sponsor for one of the track’s longtime stakes offerings, the $200,000 Sorrento Stakes, a Grade III fixture for 2-year-old fillies that will have its 55th edition this year on Saturday, August 12 at six furlongs. Among its winners, the Sorrento has featured champions Silverbulletday, Chilukki, Phone Chatter, and Brave Raj.  

And while the partnership will clearly be seen via the Sorrento Stakes race entitlement and the facility-wide branding privileges that comes with it, other creative campaigns to reinforce the partnership will be demonstrated via social media campaigns, media integration, and first-class hospitality.

“We’re delighted to be partners once again with the folks at Keeneland,” said Tom Robbins, Del Mar’s executive vice president of racing. “The name Keeneland resounds throughout our industry and Del Mar and Keeneland are a perfect pairing.”

In addition to its Del Mar pairing, Keeneland Sales also will sponsor races for fillies at Saratoga and Keeneland this year.

Del Mar’s 84th season runs from July 21 to September 10.