Del Mar Increases Juvenile Open Maiden Race Purses To $100,000

[Wandering Eyes]

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will offer significant enhancements to its 2-year-old racing program, reinforcing the track's long-standing commitment to developing juvenile runners while expanding opportunities for owners, trainers and breeders, the track announced Wednesday.

Beginning with the 2026 Summer season, which opens July 17, Del Mar will offer $100,000 open maiden races for 2-year-olds on the main track. These enhanced purses, for both colts and fillies, underscore the early success of California's new single-circuit structure and reaffirm the importance of juvenile racing to the seaside oval.

In addition, Del Mar will introduce new conditions for select two-year-old maiden races restricted by auction purchase price, limited to horses purchased for $150,000 or less. These special-condition main-track races will offer a purse of $70,000, while all other maiden allowance races will carry a purse of $80,000.

These multi-tiered offerings are designed to broaden participation and create meaningful opportunities for a wider range of owners, trainers and breeders, while maintaining Del Mar's traditionally high level of competition.

“2-year-old racing has a long and storied history at Del Mar,” said David Jerkens, Del Mar's Senior Vice President of Racing. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to honoring that tradition while adapting to the evolving needs of the industry.”

Additional details regarding race conditions and schedules will be available in the official condition book, available in mid-May.

Del Mar's 87th summer season runs from July 17 through September 7.

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