Del Mar Scene
Check out what's new on the Scene at Del Mar: unique fashion, the 411 on food and brews, and tips on betting the races.
Phil D'Amato Eyes A Fifth Straight Trainings Title at Del Mar
By Jim Charvat
Trainer Phil D’Amato has won the last four training titles at Del Mar, beginning with the Fall Meet in 2021. He followed up with another title run in the summer of 2022,...
Maldonado Poised for Another Top Ten Finish at Del Mar
By Jim Charvat
Edwin Maldonado
Chances are these days if a horse bursts out of the gate and seizes the lead early, jockey Edwin Maldonado is riding him. The veteran rider has built a reputation...
Sandia Creek Turns Racehorses into Show Horses
Red King in the GII Del Mar Handicap © Benoit Photo
By Jay Privman
In hills above Fallbrook, Calif., about 40 miles northeast of Del Mar racetrack, several horses who once competed with distinction at...
Del Mar Horse Whisperer: Camacho Revered for Calm
Outrider for 43 years provides extra level of comfort, safety to all.
Stakes Winner Mr. Vargas Thriving in Second Career
By Jay Privman
Mr Vargas © Courtesy CARMA
When Erica Cohn was in the market for a riding horse, she had a requirement she thought non-negotiable.
“I didn’t want a Thoroughbred,” she said.
It didn’t...
Pacific Classic Countdown Begins
Stilleto Boy © Benoti Photo
Start the clock. The countdown has begun for the 33rd running of the $1 million, G1 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, now less than a month away. Del Mar’s marquee race...
Fresu Makes Good First Impression at Del Mar
Antonio Fresu © Benoit Photo
Antonio Fresu is one of the new kids in the Del Mar jockey’s room. He’s also one of the most accomplished. He’s only been in the United States for a...
Rispoli Brings International Experience to Jockey Colony
Umberto Rispoli © Alex Evers
Jockey Umberto Rispoli loves riding at Del Mar. And it shows. Since arriving at the seaside oval in the summer of 2020, he has never finished out of the top...
Gold Phoenix, Balnikhov Return to Del Mar in GII Eddie Read
Gold Phoenix © Benoit Photo
If there’s a graded stakes on the Del Mar turf this summer, you can bet trainer Philip D’Amato will be an active participant. He’s becoming the West Coast’s version of...
Team Approach To Doing The Right Thing For The Horse
By Ray Paulick
Rick's Dream giving Bo Champlin his first win as an owner in 2019 © Benoit Photo
Bo Champlin was watching on television at his home in Visalia, Calif., when Rick's Dream and...