The 86th season at Del Mar kicks off this Friday, July 18th, with the San Diego-based track gearing up for the international spotlight this fall by hosting the Breeders’ Cup Championship Race for the fourth time and second year consecutively on October 31st. The 31-day meet, running through September 7th, offers a total purse of approximately $15.7 million, which is an 8% increase from 2024, including 38 stakes races totaling $7,825,000.
A significant change this summer will be seen in the announcer’s booth, as Larry Colmouth replaces the long-time voice of Del Mar, Trevor Denman, who retired after many years dating back to 1984. Josh Rubinstein, serving as President and COO since 2018 and an executive of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club since 1997, discussed the summer meet in an interview with Ray Paulick of the Paulick Report.
Rubinstein expressed strong optimism about the summer meet, citing a full barn area with about 1,900 horses expected, and noted the positive impact of the “Ships and Win” program, which supports horse populations at Del Mar and other California tracks. Despite some special events and giveaways being paused due to COVID, attendance remains a key metric, and the marketing team, led by Erin Bailey, continues to focus on social media and influencer programs to attract new visitors to the track.
Physical improvements have been made during the offseason, such as flooring and painting, along with enhancements to the jockey’s room. As the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club leases the track from the state’s 22nd District Agricultural Association, cooperation between the two entities helps fund ongoing repairs and capital improvements, including inspirations gained from visits to other prominent racing facilities.
Looking ahead to the fall Breeders’ Cup, Rubinstein highlighted Del Mar’s strong record hosting the event, noting record-breaking betting handles, great fan satisfaction, excellent weather, and solid community support. The collaboration between Del Mar and the Breeders’ Cup is strong, promising yet another successful championship event.
Regarding computer-aided wagering (CAW), Rubinstein acknowledged the delicate balance between professional and recreational bettors, with steps taken to manage pricing and betting policies to maintain handle without driving away casual players. If Santa Anita were to cease live racing, Del Mar might absorb some but not all displaced races, emphasizing a need to preserve the long-term viability of all California tracks.
On potential revenue enhancements, there is hope for approval of historic horse racing betting as an additional income source, with ongoing efforts involving regulatory bodies and the legislature recognizing the sport’s economic contributions. Immigration enforcement concerns have prompted the club to review protocols and support the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s visa program expansion initiatives to protect the workforce vital to racing.
Fan Take: This report highlights Del Mar’s commitment to growth, innovation, and community engagement, which are vital for sustaining and expanding horse racing’s appeal. For fans, it signals a proactive approach to ensuring the sport’s future through improved facilities, strategic marketing, and strong event management, promising exciting and sustainable racing seasons ahead.
