From DMTC Publicity
DEL MAR, Calif. (June 5, 2019) — Del Mar’s first condition book for the 2019 summer season is now out and available online and hard copies will be distributed to horsemen in Southern California Friday.
The seaside track’s 80th summer session kicks off on Wednesday, July 17 and runs through Labor Day Monday, September 2. The first book covers races for the initial three weeks of the season.
“We’ve been able to boost our purses across the board compared to last summer and I think our horsemen will respond well to that,” said Del Mar’s executive vice president for racing Tom Robbins. “I’d especially note the $10,000 increase we’ve given to all our overnight stakes, a group of races that have been especially classy and competitive of late.”
Robbins’ reference was to the purse increase from $75,000 to $85,000 to its half-dozen “overnights.” One of those races, the Green Flash Handicap, was recognized this year for its recent high level of competition by being boosted to Grade III status. That race now will carry a purse of $100,000 and be run at five furlongs on the turf on Saturday, August 17, as one of the five major stakes offered on Pacific Classic Day.
“Our membership is excited about getting down to Del Mar next month,” said Thoroughbred Owners of California board member Gary Fenton. “We know that all overnight purse categories have been raised from last year and the first condition book appears to have something for everyone.”
Del Mar racing secretary David Jerkens called out the track’s enhanced “Ship and Win” program that has brought in more than a thousand horses from out-of-state to race at Del Mar and throughout California since its inception in 2011. Owners and trainers bringing in such runners in 2019 now receive an automatic check for $2,500 for a horse’s first start at Del Mar, and also become eligible for a boost of 40% on all purse monies won in that initial outing. Additional “Ship and Win” information can be obtained dmtc.com/horsemen/ship-and-win.
Those wishing to access the online version of the book may visit dmtc.com/horsemen/condition-book.
Racing will be conducted on a Wednesday through Sunday basis throughout the track’s seven-week stand. The lone exception to that will be the final week when the additional holiday Monday is added as closing day for the meet.