Rispoli and Fresu Share the Spotlight on Thrilling Del Mar Race Day
There was warmth in the paddock as Umberto Rispoli leaned in and kissed Lady Mendelssohn on the nose, a moment of affection before leading her into the winner’s enclosure. Earlier in the afternoon, Antonio Fresu had punched the air with delight after guiding Margarita Girl to victory, his second win of the meeting. Those flashes of joy summed up the mood of the crowd at Del Mar Racecourse on August 21, 2025 — a race day brimming with drama, skill, and storylines.
The eight-race programme opened with a Maiden Special Weight over six furlongs on dirt. Margarita Girl, under Antonio Fresu for trainer Mark Glatt, proved too strong, defeating Into the Hall and Philippa in a decisive display.
The second race, a five-furlong Maiden Claiming, went to Mutt Dillin with Abel Aguilar steering for trainer Paula Capestro. Dirty Words kept on for second while B Grayson took third.
Drama built further in the third contest, a Claiming race worth $34,000, where Thirsty Trickster, ridden by William Antongeorgi III for Dean Pederson, held off Liquid Spirit and Perfect Life in a tightly run finish.
Fresu’s afternoon brightened again when he teamed up with trainer Steven Miyadi in the fourth, a five-furlong turf Maiden Special Weight. Cara Rose stormed home, with Adia in second and Cash in Toknight third.
The quality deepened in the fifth, an Allowance Optional Claiming over a mile. Lady Mendelssohn, beautifully judged by Rispoli for Carla Gaines, swept past rivals to land the prize ahead of I Had That One Too and Miso Phansy.
Rispoli struck again in the sixth, a five-furlong turf dash, guiding No Cap to victory for Brian Koriner. Press Your Luck kept him honest in second, while Freya rounded out the placings.
The penultimate race, a one-mile Starter Allowance on dirt, was taken by Impossible Task, piloted by Diego Herrera for Leonard Powell. American Empire was runner-up and Sea Dog ran on for third.
Closing the card, Trusty Rusty capped the day in a 1 1/16-mile turf Starter Allowance. Juan Hernandez, riding for Robert Hess Jr., ensured a measured victory, beating Druidic and Oobubbakakayo.
For the racegoers, it was a day to savour. Rispoli and Fresu emerged as the jockeys of the afternoon, each celebrating doubles, while Del Mar Racecourse once again staged an afternoon of racing that mixed spectacle with sheer competitive fire.
As the sun dipped behind the Pacific, the chatter in the stands was unanimous: Del Mar had delivered another unforgettable race day. For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, visit RaceBuzz.com.
