Del Mar Racing will resume on Sunday with a surprising dose of relief and gratitude across the barns, where trainers, grooms, and riders welcomed a dry dawn after Saturday’s storm-forced shutdown. Bob Hess summed up the collective exhale best, stepping out from his barn with a smile and saying, “We’re fine,” as he checked on horses who had stayed warm and dry through the overnight downpour. It wasn’t quite a celebration, but there was a clear sense of appreciation that the worst had passed and the show could go on.
Despite Saturday’s cancellation, work crews moved with purpose from first light, clearing mud, draining water, and restoring the grounds to safe condition. Though ponds had formed between barns and the backside was still soft underfoot, the damage was contained. Berms built the night before held firm, and shed rows remained dry—an impressive outcome considering the intensity of Friday’s rain.
With the main track closed early, barns shifted into a slower rhythm. Horses tack-walked along shed rows, riders quietly guiding them through sloshy paths while new arrivals rolled in by trailer, signalling a return to normal operations. Track Superintendent Dennis Moore, who monitored an inch and a half of rainfall, waited until mid-morning before opening the track. By 11 a.m., tractors were out harrowing the surface, setting it up for what Moore expects to be a “good” main track by the 12:30 p.m. first post. Turf racing will not take place on Sunday.
Himika Headlines Del Mar Racing Feature in Rescheduled Desi Arnaz Stakes
The day’s spotlight will shine on the rescheduled $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes, a seven-furlong test for 2-year-old fillies. Himika, the race’s clear focus, returns as the strong favourite after proving her class at Del Mar earlier this year. Trainer Bob Baffert shortened her up for the Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita, and she responded with a sharp 4¼-length win.
Her familiar rival Revera returns for another shot. The John Sadler trainee has shown consistency since her debut and comes in with confidence after a commanding maiden win at Del Mar. “We’re in a good spot,” Sadler said, noting her comfort at the seaside track. Stuffy Mist, Heaven’s Bolt, Bourbon and Ginger, and Cosmic Heat round out a six-runner field set for Race 8 at around 4 p.m.
Graded Stakes Week Ahead for Del Mar Racing
Next weekend marks the start of a packed finish to the fall meet, with nine graded stakes on tap. The G3 Native Diver headlines Saturday’s action, with nominees including Nevada Beach—fresh from a major G1 win—and promising runners from barns led by Baffert, John Sadler, and Aggie Ordonez.
Sunday shifts focus to the turf for the G3 Red Carpet, a mile-and-three-eighths feature attracting a deep pool of nominations, including last year’s winner Mrs. Astor and several high-quality out-of-state contenders.
Breeders’ Cup Spark Boosts Del Mar Visibility
Earlier this month, Del Mar drew global attention during the Breeders’ Cup, and the ratings reflected the interest. NBC’s numbers show an 18% rise in viewership from last year’s event, with Saturday’s coverage peaking at 1.4 million viewers during the Classic. The worldwide broadcast reached 180 countries.
Clothing Drive Warms the Backside Community
Amid the racing bustle, Del Mar continues its Winter Clothing Drive, offering support to backside workers as temperatures fall. Donation bins remain at admission gates, with free admissions offered in return. Due to lingering damp conditions, Sunday’s Handicapping Seminar has been cancelled and will return next week. Joggers only will be permitted on the main track Monday as the surface continues its recovery.
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