DEL MAR’S CUP TO RUNNETH OVER

Iconic horse-racing destination will host Breeders’ Cup back-to-back in 2024 and ’25

There was a time when Del Mar salivated over a chance to host the Breeders’ Cup, the money-soaked, two-day racing festival that lures horses and bettors from around the globe. Then came 2017.

And 2021.

And soon, 2024. Now, the place where Bing Crosby crooned about the turf meeting the surf has scored the big-event version of the daily double. Del Mar has been selected to cash in again in 2025, the first backto-back host since Santa Anita polished off a threeyear run in 2014.

The prospect of four times in nine years staggers.

“I would not be truthful if I didn’t say, wow,” Del Mar CEO Joe Harper said. “It was a surprise, obviously, the back-to-back thing. I remember when we gave a speech to the selection committee in New York (years ago), most had never been to Del Mar.

“When we had it in 2017, I think it opened a lot of eyes.”

The 2025 Breeders’ Cup is scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 1. The 2024 edition is set for Nov. 1-2.

The Breeders’ Cup is racing’s ultimate buffet, featuring 14 Grade I championships of varying distances, surfaces and genders with $31 million on the line. It draws sheikhs and private jets, filling high-end hotels and restaurants.

A previous study commissioned by Del Mar through the Sports Management

Research Institute claimed $100 million worth of economic impact on the region.

Twice the sizzle. Twice the work. Twice the benefit.

“We’re ecstatic,” said Josh Rubinstein, Del Mar’s president and COO. “Any year is a real privilege. Backto-back and four of nine is really special. It says a lot about the incredible support we get from the San Diego community.

“Yes, the weather is great. But it’s more than that. It’s the entire experience. It’s the restaurant, the hotels, the beach and the people.”

The 2017 visit to Del Mar still owns the on-track record for betting handle at $25.18 million.

“Del Mar is such a special place for the Breeders’ Cup,” Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming

said. “We’ve had such a resounding success the last two times we’ve been there. I think it’s an iconic venue. It’s so amazing. In addition to having world-class facilities, there’s

definitely passion in the air for racing.

“When you go to restaurants and hotels, they’re talking about who the favorites are. It’s important to have buy in and support and San Diego certainly has that.”

The impact of consecutive events could be amplified

across Del Mar’s racing program.

“Owners and trainers not in California would think about Del Mar in the summer for stakes races (leading in),” Rubinstein said. “It’s like when Torrey Pines would host the U.S. Open. You would see the quality of the fields at the Farmers

(Insurance Open stop on the PGA Tour) increase because players wanted to see and play the course.

“In the fall, as we saw in 2017, some trainers will bring extra horses and stay beyond the Breeders’ Cup.”