‘Tremendous Summer Of Racing': All-Sources Wagering Up At Del Mar Meet

The 2026 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club summer racing season concluded on Sept. 7 with strong results across the board, driven by full and competitive fields, high-quality racing and enthusiastic fan support throughout the eight-week meet. Over the 32-day meeting, Del Mar averaged an industry-leading 8.6 starters per race, producing some of the deepest and most competitive racing in North America. Bettors responded to the quality of the racing with handle on Del Mar races totaling $366.8 million, an increase of 3.1 percent compared with the 2025 summer meeting. Total all-sources wagering reached $546.8 million, an increase of 2.3 percent over last year. Pacific Classic Day delivered one of the season's defining moments, highlighted by four graded stakes races and culminating in Knightsbridge's dynamic victory in the $1 million Pacific Classic, the West Coast's richest race. Wagering on Pacific Classic Day topped $29 million, making it the second-highest handle day in Del Mar history. 'This was a tremendous summer of racing at Del Mar,' said Josh Rubinstein, president of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. 'We had exceptional support from our horsemen and women. Their commitment to racing at Del Mar has produced large, competitive fields and an outstanding wagering product for our customers. We're grateful for their support and pleased to see it reflected in the strong results throughout the season.' On-track attendance was led by a sold-out Opening Day, affirming its place as one of Southern California's most anticipated summer social gatherings. Despite unusually hot and humid weather for much of the summer, fans once again enthusiastically supported racing at Del Mar. Beyond the racing, fans enjoyed a full calendar of signature events and experiences, including the BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, Turf & Surf Lobster Cookout, Uncorked Wine Tasting and College Day activities. Total attendance for the season was 279,120, compared with 282,104 in 2025. 'Del Mar demonstrated what can happen when you combine a strong purse program, great racing and the support of owners and trainers,' said Gary Fenton, Chairman of Thoroughbred Owners of California. 'The tremendous participation from California stables and horsemen who shipped in from across the country speaks volumes about the strength and depth of the meet. It was an exciting summer for our owners, an outstanding showcase for California racing and a strong foundation upon which to continue building.' Joel Rosario led the jockey standings with 42 wins during the 32-day meet. Doug O'Neill captured the training title, saddling 27 winners. Reddam Racing led all managing owners in wins with nine and purse earnings with $810,040. Racing returns to Del Mar this fall for the track's annual Bing Crosby Season, running Nov. 6 through 29. The highlight of the meeting will be the prestigious Autumn Turf Festival, featuring seven graded stakes races over Thanksgiving weekend. Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 9:28 AM.