Del Mar’s summer meeting will witness one of its most anticipated moments on Saturday as Om N Joy takes on top-level company in the Grade I Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, carrying the hopes of a growing group of supporters who have followed her remarkable rise.
G1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
The chestnut mare has become one of the most admired runners on the California racing scene after building a strong record under trainer Aggie Ordonez. Her journey from a promising local performer to a Grade I contender has been marked by consistency, determination and a series of memorable victories.
Om N Joy first attracted widespread attention last year when she produced a five-race winning streak, including success in the Grade 3 Torrey Pines Stakes at Del Mar. That victory, achieved against open company for the first time, confirmed her ability to compete beyond restricted events and opened the door to bigger assignments.
Om N Joy Clement L. Hirsch Preview highlights the mare’s bid for another major performance at Del Mar.
Owned by Baker Stables and Scanlan Racing, Om N Joy has continued to progress through challenging campaigns. After her Torrey Pines success, she travelled outside California for the Grade 2 Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland, before returning home for a demanding sequence of Grade 1 appearances.
Her efforts against elite competition included a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Beholder Stakes at Santa Anita and a fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Stakes at Oaklawn Park. A brief experiment on turf in the Fran’s Valentine Stakes did not produce the desired result, but the return to dirt brought an immediate response.
In the Grade 2 Santa Margarita Stakes at Santa Anita, Om N Joy delivered one of the best performances of her career. Settled patiently before producing a powerful late run, she swept past her rivals to win by three and three-quarter lengths, reaffirming her status as a leading contender.
Trainer Aggie Ordonez, who has built her stable around a smaller group of horses compared with some of California’s larger operations, has guided Om N Joy through every stage of her development. The partnership has produced one of the most popular stories of the Del Mar season.
The mare has also formed a strong connection with Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, who has partnered with her since April 2025. Their association began shortly after her maiden victory and has continued through a series of impressive stakes performances.
Bred in California by Jerry and Connie Baker, Om N Joy is by Om and out of Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute. Her physical development has been another key factor in her rise, with the filly growing stronger and more mature throughout her racing career.
The Grade I Clement L. Hirsch represents another major test, with Om N Joy stepping into one of the deepest races of her career. Success would add another significant chapter to a story that has already captured the attention of racing fans across Southern California.
Del Mar’s race fans have embraced the mare not only for her ability on the track but also for the journey behind her achievements. Her appearance in the Clement L. Hirsch gives her the opportunity to further establish herself among the leading female runners in the region.
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