Del Mar has released its 2021 summer stakes schedule, with purse increases for 21 of its races making the total program worth 30% more than 2020. The GI TVG Pacific Classic will be worth $750,000–an increase of $250,000–when it is run Aug. 21. The purse of the GII Del Mar Mile has increased $150,000 to $300,000. Receiving $100,000 increases are the GII Del Mar H. (up to $300,000) and the July 17 GII San Diego H. (now worth $250,000).
“This is one of the strongest stakes schedules in Del Mar's history,” said Del Mar racing secretary David Jerkens. “We have increased purses virtually across the board. I am really excited to see the level of quality our stakes program will attract, especially being the home of the Breeders' Cup this year.”
The Pacific Classic card will feature five stakes. In addition to the track's signature race, the Aug. 21 card will also feature the GI Del Mar Oaks; the GII Del Mar H.; the GII Del Mar Mile, and the GIII Torrey Pines S.
There will be six Grade I events over the course of the summer–the July 31 $300,000 Bing Crosby S.; the Aug. 1 $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch S.; the Del Mar Oaks and the TVG Pacific Classic, the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante Sept. 5, and the $300,000 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity Sept. 6.
Del Mar, which will host championship weekend in November, will present five Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” races: the Bing Crosby S. (guaranteeing admission and entry fees to the $2-million Sprint); Clement L. Hirsch S. ($2-million BC Distaff); the Del Mar H. ($4-million Turf); TVG Pacific Classic ($6-million Classic), and the $200,000 Aug. 28 GII Pat O'Brien S. ($2-million Dirt Mile).
The Del Mar summer meet runs from July 17 through Sept. 6.
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