DEL MAR — Opening day is always a special event at Del Mar.
But there is more excitement than usual heading into Friday’s opening of the 86th summer season of horse racing at the historic seaside oval.
“Everything is pointing in a special direction for 2025,” said Josh Rubinstein, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s president and chief operating officer. “The conversion to a single circuit in California has strengthened the product. There’s a real buzz around the track. Our racing department, Tom Robbins and David Jerkens have done a great job working with owners and trainers. We’re receiving great feedback and interest. Our stable area is packed.”
A week ago, Del Mar racing secretary Jerkens had high hopes as he prepared to accept entries for the opening weekend’s 32 races over three days. The results were beyond expectations.
“We’ve drawn quality horses in packed fields,” said Jerkens. “It creates a sense of excitement for the entire 31-day meeting.”
Starting with the opening day feature, the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes at a mile on the turf for 3-year-olds. The race has drawn 10 entries paced by Iron Man Cal, a Joyful Dreams colt that finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar last Nov. 1. Antonio Fresu will be aboard the Phil D’Amato trained 9-5 favorite named after Cal Ripken Jr.
Not only has Del Mar’s horse population been bolstered by thoroughbreds and trainers who formerly worked on the now-defunct Northern California circuit, there is expected to be more competition among returning jockeys and conditioners at the track.
Juan Hernandez has dominated Del Mar’s riding titles since Flavien Prat moved east. But Fresu was champion of a recent meeting at Santa Anita and the local riding community includes Unberto Rispoli, Hector Berrios, Kazushi Kimura and newcomer Mirco Demuro, an Italian-born jockey who has been racing in Japan.
Rispoli will be missing Saturday as he rides top California horse and Preakness champion Journalism in the $1 million, Grade I Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. Journalism is the 4-5 morning-favorite.
Journalism’s trainer Michael McCarthy will have a string at Del Mar and be part of a training contingent that includes D’Amato, Bob Baffert, John Sadler, Mark Glatt, Doug O’Neill and the rebounding Peter Miller.
Track officials announced Thursday that opening day is sold out, although limited tickets remain for Saturday and Sunday through dmtc.com.
Opening day, of course, also features a number of supporting festivities — including Del Mar’s annual hat contest.
“Opening day is an event unto itself,” said Rubinstein. “It’s a summer celebration. It has a special spot on both the racing and Southern California calendar.”
First post on opening day and most days will be 2 p.m., with Saturdays and Sundays hosting 10 or 11 races. After opening day, post time for the next four, eight-race Fridays will be 4 p.m., then move to 3 p.m. for the final four Fridays.
The 31-day summer meeting will cover eight weeks.
Del Mar will be introducing several new wagering options this season. There will be a third pick-four for races 4-to-7 on opening day and the weekends. There will be a $3 minimum pick three for the last three races each day plus a $5 minimum daily double for the last two races daily.
As Rubinstein said: “Everything is pointing in a special direction.”
All three races in Friday’s Pick Three drew 10 or more entries. The same held true for Saturday and Sunday — not only raising opportunities for wagerers but marking the first time in almost three months that 10 or more horses could start in three straight races.
“It’s a very exciting time for our sport and Del Mar,” said Jerkens. “There are new opportunities for horsemen and horsewomen and our fans. And we’re giving the incoming trainers and horses the best possible chance of success in a new setting.”
