As Hurricane Hilary approaches San Diego, the possibility of strong winds, heavy rains, and possible flooding have forced Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials cancel Sunday’s race program.
The announcement was made early Saturday morning.
“For the safety of everyone involved–our horses, our riders and all the workers, staff and fans, we have made the decision to cancel Sunday's races,” Del Mar Thoroughbred Club President and COO Josh Rubinstein stated. “Unfortunately, the forecast calls for substantial rain and winds that appear to be headed our way. We are hopeful this will only be a one-day thing for us, but it is a necessary step we feel we have to take,” Rubinstein continued.
Del Mar’s closing on Sunday will mark only the second time in the track's 84-year history that races were canceled due to weather. The only other time this occurred was on Thanksgiving Day in 2019, when race day was called off ahead of a projected storm.
Due to the fact that there are many horses at Del Mar housed in heavy rain and wind susceptible outside pens, they are being moved to empty, sturdier stalls on the backside of the track or to Los Alamitos to ensure the safety of the animals.
According to officials, the track will be closed both Sunday and Monday, but ls expected to re-open to all activity on Tuesday. Racing will resume at the track next Thursday.
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