The 2026 Del Mar summer meeting began on a lively note as more than 21,000 spectators filled the grandstand for an entertaining 10-race Opening Day programme, with competitive racing, standout performances and a record-equalling stakes victory setting an upbeat tone for the weeks ahead.
Del Mar Opening Day 2026.
The seaside track welcomed an attendance of 21,422 for its traditional curtain-raiser, where the action began with Mighty Kai landing the opening one-mile claiming contest and concluded with Goodies giving trainer Philip D’Amato his first success of the meeting while jockey Hector I. Berrios completed a riding double.
One of the biggest surprises of the afternoon arrived in Race 5 when Strident Miss produced a determined late effort to edge home in a head-bob finish. The two-year-old daughter of Pavel returned one of the day’s biggest upsets, becoming the meeting’s first major outsider to score.
Trainer Michael McCarthy enjoyed an excellent start to the season, saddling three winners from the opening six races. Victorious Dream and Lost Angeles provided consecutive victories before Detain completed his treble later on the card.
The feature event, the $150,000 Oceanside Stakes, produced one of the performances of the day. Proletariat made every yard of the running in the one-mile turf contest, matching the long-standing stakes record of 1:33.54, first established 22 years ago. The victory also strengthened the colt’s credentials ahead of the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby later in the summer.
The Del Mar Opening Day 2026 programme generated total wagering turnover of $21,021,373, with on-course turnover reaching $3,011,802, reflecting another strong start to the prestigious California summer meeting.
Away from the racetrack, Chun-Mae Hauschka of Laguna Niguel claimed the title in the 32nd annual Opening Day Hats Contest, continuing one of Del Mar’s most recognisable traditions.
Attention now turns to an 11-race Saturday card featuring the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes, where several accomplished visiting jockeys will join the local riding colony.
British-born Ben Curtis, now established on the Kentucky and Midwest circuit, partners likely favourite Raiding Party for trainer Brendan Walsh. Adam Beschizza reunites with Ground Support, having ridden the filly throughout her career, while Barbados-born Rasheed Hughes takes the mount aboard Spirit Doll after steering the filly to victory in her most recent start.
The Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes is scheduled as Race 9, with a projected post time of 6:00 p.m.
Sunday’s feature shifts attention to the $100,000 Wickerr Stakes, a competitive one-mile contest on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course featuring several proven stakes performers.
Trainer Mark Glatt fields a powerful three-horse team headed by Freedom’s Not Free, recent winner of the Grade 3 Daytona Stakes, alongside former Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap winner Mi Hermano Ramon and defending Wickerr Stakes winner First Peace.
Among their principal rivals are King of Gosford, dropping from Grade 1 company after a creditable effort in the Shoemaker Mile, and Atitlan, returning from an extended absence under the care of Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella.
The Wickerr Stakes will also be run as Race 9 on Sunday’s programme, with the field comprising Freedom’s Not Free, Atitlan, Twirling Point, Artislas, King of Gosford, Mi Hermano Ramon, Captain Choochies, First Peace and American Hope.
The opening weekend has also marked another milestone for leading rider Juan Hernandez, who returns to Del Mar aiming for a fifth consecutive summer riding championship. Since arriving in Southern California, Hernandez has become one of the circuit’s dominant jockeys and recently celebrated the 3,000th victory of his professional career. Earlier this year, he also fulfilled another ambition by riding in his first Kentucky Derby before adding a winner during Royal Ascot.
Competition for the riding title is expected to be stronger than ever in 2026, with an expanded jockey colony including Hall of Famer Joel Rosario alongside experienced riders Julien Leparoux, Joe Bravo and Emisael Jaramillo.
Opening weekend also brought notable racing news from beyond Del Mar. International turf star Rebel’s Romance has been retired after a distinguished career that included victory in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar, while Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Bentornato has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season following injury.
With quality stakes racing, large crowds and strong participation from leading trainers and jockeys, Del Mar Opening Day 2026 has provided an encouraging start to another highly anticipated summer season, with several of the meeting’s biggest prizes still to come.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz .