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Pick Pony | Sept. 9, 2024, 3:13 p.m.
Del Mar celebrated the conclusion of its 85th summer racing season on Sunday as the seaside track once again recorded strong field sizes and average daily handle as well as the highest daily purses in the state.
Del Mar averaged 8.6 starters per race and $831,000 per day in total purse distribution. Total wagering for the meet was $502,985,000, a slight decrease from last summer after Del Mar implemented new restrictions on computer-assisted wagering (CAW) players in 2024. Average daily handle was $16,225,000. Track officials indicated that the handle figures were in line with projections based on the new wagering protocols which helped reduce late odds fluctuations and modified the Pick 6 wager, eliminating the single ticket jackpot.
The FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic card with five graded stakes races was the racing highlight of the meet, showcasing several likely participants for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Over $28.55 million was wagered on Pacific Classic Day, including $5.43 million of separate pool handle from Hong Kong. Notably, the Pacific Classic card - outside of the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby - was the first time Hong Kong has wagered on North American racing.
Opening Day was once again a sold-out crowd and remains one of Southern California’s top summer's social events of the season. The summer race meet continued to be supported by full-slate of lifestyle promotions including a craft beer festival, a tacos and tequila fiesta, a wine tasting and college day
“As always we want to thank the horsemen and women for their partnership and for helping us put on another outstanding summer meeting,” said Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Harper. “We look forward to welcoming back the Breeders’ Cup in November and to hosting racing fans and participants from all over the world here in Del Mar and the greater San Diego area."
For the third summer in a row Juan Hernandez led the jockey standings, this time with 47 wins during the 31-day meet. Bob Baffert registered his ninth seasonal training crown as he saddled 23 winners. And Hronis Racing captured their sixth leading owner title with purses of $717,296 and 12 trips to the winners circle. In the ever-expanding category of co-partnerships, Little Read Feather Racing led the way with four graded stakes races and nearly $1 million in earnings.
The track’s innovative “Ship & Win” program continued to draw horses to Del Mar and the southern California circuit. Over the last five years Ship & Win has attracted 1,158 starters to Del Mar, with the majority of these runners continuing to compete at California tracks.
“As always, Del Mar shines the best light on California racing,” said Gary Fenton, Chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. “We are grateful to the DMTC team for their innovative approach in delivering a world-class racing experience. We look forward to hosting the 2024 Breeders’ Cup with them in November."
Racing returns to Del Mar for the track’s fall Bing Crosby meet running from October 31 to December 1, highlighted by the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on November 1-2. This will mark the third time that Del Mar hosts the prestigious international celebration of Thoroughbred racing. After successful editions in 2017 and 2021, the track was selected to host back-to-back Breeders’ Cups in 2024 and 2025.