Del Mar’s Maiden Allowance Dirt Purses Soar Past $100,000

Del Mar Race Track’s Summer Season

Unprecedented Maiden Allowance Purses

Del Mar Race Track is gearing up for its highly anticipated 84th summer season, and this time, they are taking maiden allowance races on dirt to new heights. Following the success of last year’s program, Del Mar is once again raising the stakes by offering a generous bonus package exclusively designed for maiden runners. The track’s latest initiative presents an enticing opportunity for eligible participants in maiden allowance races, including California-bred events and maiden-claiming races with a minimum purse level of $62,500. However, there is one key requirement: maidens must be associated with trainers who have no more than 60 horses stabled in Southern California.

In a remarkable display of their commitment to top-quality racing, Del Mar has decided to elevate the maiden allowance purses to an unprecedented California record of $82,000. To make the deal even sweeter, they are introducing a 25% maiden bonus, pushing the potential purse value to an astounding $102,500. This exceptional offer extends to maiden-claiming races at the impressive purse levels of $150,000, $80,000, and $62,500, greatly enhancing the overall rewards.

The “Ship & Win” Program

The bonus program ensures that horses finishing from first to fifth place will receive their fair share of the rewards, adding an extra layer of excitement and competitiveness to each race. Del Mar’s renowned “Ship & Win” program also makes a comeback this year, providing maiden allowance runners with a unique opportunity. Participants in this program pay a modest $5,000 starter fee and receive a generous 50% supplement for dirt races. This combination sets the stage for an extraordinary scenario, where a “Ship & Win” qualifier has the potential to compete for a remarkable total purse of $143,500, including the initial purse, the 25% boost as a qualifying maiden, and the additional 50% enhancement as a “Ship & Win” qualifier.

Support from Thoroughbred Owners of California

Gary Fenton, chairman of the esteemed Thoroughbred Owners of California, fully supports this financial incentive, recognizing its importance in establishing equilibrium within the racing ecosystem. Fenton commends Del Mar for their innovative changes that foster growth in the horse population and contribute to the expansion of the field size, benefiting all members of the racing community. Del Mar’s progressive initiatives solidify their position as a trailblazer in the industry.

Purse Allocation and Stakes Races

Del Mar’s summer season promises to be a captivating spectacle, with over $25 million allocated in purses. The average daily purse payout exceeds an impressive $800,000, ensuring intense competition and thrilling races each day. Additionally, the track has scheduled 39 stakes races, with a combined worth of an astounding $8,275,000. This exceptional lineup cements Del Mar’s status as the premier racing destination and sets the stage for their most lucrative season to date.

Exciting Season Kick-Off

Excitement builds as the historic track prepares to kick off its season with a thrilling three-day weekend from July 21 to 23. This will be followed by five consecutive four-day weeks, offering ample opportunities for trainers, jockeys, and horses to make their mark. The Labor Day celebrations on September 4 will feature a special five-day week, adding an extra level of excitement to the summer season at Del Mar.