The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has unveiled major upgrades to its racing program for two-year-old horses, aiming to reinforce its longstanding dedication to nurturing young talent while broadening opportunities for owners, trainers, and breeders. Beginning with the 2026 summer season on July 17, Del Mar will offer a $100,000 purse for an open maiden race for two-year-olds on the main track. These increased purses for both colts and fillies emphasize the initial success of California’s new single-circuit racing system and underscore the significance of juvenile racing at the coastal venue.
Moreover, Del Mar will set new conditions for select two-year-old maiden races by limiting entries based on purchase price, specifically to horses bought for under $150,000. These races, held under these special conditions on the main track, will carry a $70,000 purse, while other maiden allowance races will offer $80,000. This multi-level approach aims to sustain Del Mar’s reputation for high-quality competition while encouraging wider participation and providing valuable chances for a broader spectrum of the racing community.
“Del Mar 2-year-old racing has a rich and celebrated history,” said David Jerkens, senior vice president of horse racing at Del Mar. “These improvements demonstrate our dedication to preserving our industry’s traditions while evolving to meet its changing demands.” For decades, Del Mar has been a prominent stage for exceptional juvenile horses, many of whom have launched successful careers toward Triple Crown events and other prestigious races. The revamped program continues this legacy by blending prestige, inclusivity, and strong competition.
Further information about race conditions and the full schedule will be released in the official condition book set to be published in mid-May. The 87th annual Del Mar summer season will run from July 17 through September 7. For more details, visit DelMarRacing.com.
This article was initially published by Paulick Report on February 4, 2026, and originally appeared in their News section. Click here to add Paulick Report as your preferred news source.
Fan Take:
This announcement is exciting news for horse racing enthusiasts because it supports the growth and development of young thoroughbreds, a critical pipeline for the sport’s future stars. By expanding purse opportunities and creating tiered race conditions, Del Mar is fostering greater inclusivity and competition, which can only strengthen the sport’s talent pool and fan engagement in the years ahead.
