UPDATE: Del Mar officials have just announced the cancellation of Saturday’s horse racing card due to heavy rain, prompting immediate changes to the race schedule. The first post for Friday’s races has been moved up to noon, effective immediately.
The anticipated $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes for 2-year-old fillies is now rescheduled for Sunday, switching to an all-main-track format. Meanwhile, the Bob Hope Stakes for 2-year-olds has been moved from Sunday to Friday, November 21. This marks Del Mar’s first rainout since August 20, 2023, and the first cancellation for a Southern California thoroughbred program since Santa Anita halted racing on March 30 and 31, 2024.
As of now, Los Alamitos has not confirmed whether its Saturday and Sunday night quarter-horse and thoroughbred races will be affected, leaving fans in suspense. Earlier winters saw tracks routinely handle wet conditions, but recent years have seen an increase in cancellations amid concerns over horse safety following a spike in injuries.
In the Desi Arnaz Stakes, watch for a fierce rematch as Bob Baffert-trained Himika, ridden by Juan Hernandez, faces off against John Sadler’s Revera and Victor Garcia’s Stuffy Mist. Both challengers finished strong in their last outing, the Anoakia Stakes, and will be keen on delivering a thrilling race.
Amid these developments, the racing world is reeling from the news of two horse fatalities at Los Alamitos last weekend, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. The 3-year-old gelding Tame the Tiger and the unraced 2-year-old filly Cayce in Gray were both euthanized after sustaining serious injuries. This brings the total of horse deaths at California tracks since December 26 to 29, a number that remains consistent with recent years.
In more positive news, the 12-year-old stallion Collected is set to move from Airdrie Stud in Kentucky to Rancho San Miguel in California for the 2026 breeding season. Standing for $7,500 per live foal, Collected has a strong pedigree with over $6.3 million in progeny earnings, making him a prime attraction for breeders in the region.
Adding to the drama, trainer Dale Romans, known for his Preakness win with Shackleford, has thrown his hat into the political arena, announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Mitch McConnell. This move has sparked interest, as no Democrat has been elected to the Kentucky Senate since 1992.
As fans await further updates on the rescheduling of races and the impact of the rain, the excitement surrounding the upcoming stakes continues to build. Stay tuned for more developments as the situation unfolds.
