Clement Hirsch Stakes Headlines Historic Oak Tree Day
Now in its 55th edition, the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes will be run over a mile and a sixteenth on the main track, featuring seven top-class distaff runners in Race 10. The race is named after Clement L. Hirsch, one of the founding figures of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and a key co-founder of the Oak Tree Racing Association. Hirsch was widely respected for his contribution to the sport and dedication to racing’s community-focused development.
The 2025 field is stacked with talent. Leading the charge is Seismic Beauty (Juan Hernandez, 2-1), a graded stakes winner representing MyRacehorse and Leidel. She’ll face stiff competition from Kopion (Kazushi Kimura, 5/2), who runs in Spendthrift Farm’s silks, and Richi (Antonio Fresu, 3-1), backed by Hill ‘n’ Dale and Stud Vendaval. Other contenders include Royal Spa, Mahina, Nothing Like You, and Little Hidden Port.
The Clement Hirsch Stakes is a key prep for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, offering the winner a potential stepping stone to year-end championship glory. Over the years, the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes has crowned several eventual Breeders’ Cup stars and Hall of Famers.
One race earlier, the 20th running of the California Dreamin’ Stakes (Race 9) brings together 11 California-breds for a 1 1/16-mile turf test. All eyes will be on the ultra-consistent Kings River Knight (Juan Hernandez, 1/1), who has placed first or second in 17 of his 19 starts. The 7-year-old gelding is a fan favorite, representing Integrity Thoroughbred Racing, the Ellwood Johnston Trust, and Tevelde.
Oak Tree’s Legacy at the Forefront
“Oak Tree Day” pays tribute to the Oak Tree Racing Association, which hosted fall meetings at Santa Anita for over four decades (1969–2010). The group has contributed nearly $25 million to racing-related causes, including equine research at UC Davis, the Winner’s Foundation, and backstretch welfare programs.
This year, Oak Tree has committed $100,000 to the purse for the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and will sponsor a $500 “best turned out” groom award for each of the 11 races. These gestures reflect the group’s ongoing dedication to both the sport and the people who support it.
Race Day Schedule and Lineups
Race 10 – Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (Grade I):
Seismic Beauty (Hernandez, 2-1), Royal Spa (Berrios, 6-1), Mahina (Smith, 20-1), Nothing Like You (Van Dyke, 8-1), Richi (Fresu, 3-1), Little Hidden Port (Ayuso, 12-1), Kopion (Kimura, 5/2)
Race 9 – California Dreamin’ Stakes:
Annan (Franco, 30-1), Aligato (Fresu, 4-1), Clouseau (Desormeaux, 12-1), Miss Jo’s Curlin (Van Dyke, 30-1), Mr. Disrespectful (Berrios, 8-1), Barely Functional (Ayuso, 30-1), Coalinga Road (Demuro, 8-1), Takes Three (Kimura, 15-1), Kings River Knight (Hernandez, 1/1), Pure Madness (Baze, 15-1), Mystic Spirit (Smith, 15-1)
First post at Del Mar is 2:00 PM PT. The California Dreamin’ goes off at approximately 6:00 PM, followed by the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at 6:30 PM.
As tradition and top-level competition converge on Oak Tree Day, the Clement Hirsch Stakes promises a thrilling highlight in Del Mar’s summer schedule, showcasing the best in fillies and mares while honoring one of racing’s greatest legacies.
Fans and handicappers alike will be watching the Clement Hirsch Stakes closely as a benchmark for top-level female runners this season.
For more coverage of global graded stakes action, visit RaceBuzz’s International section.
For official stakes previews and updates, visit the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club media release.
