California Horse Racing Highlights: Jockeys, Trainers, and Exciting Races at Del Mar and Los Alamitos
This week's horse racing action saw jockeys like Mirco Demuro, Umberto Rispoli, and Hector Berrios leading the pack with multiple wins. On the training front, John Sadler, George Papaprodromou, and Doug O’Neill were among the top trainers with notable victories. The upcoming races at Del Mar and Los Alamitos promise exciting contests for fans to enjoy.
Del Mar had to cancel Saturday's racing due to rain, shifting the Desi Arnaz Stakes for 2-year-old fillies to Sunday. The Bob Hope Stakes for 2-year-olds was rescheduled to Friday, Nov. 21. Los Alamitos also faced uncertainty with its weekend races, awaiting announcements on any potential changes. The impact of weather on horse racing events has become more significant following safety concerns in recent years.
The Desi Arnaz Stakes at Del Mar features contenders like Himika, Revera, and Stuffy Mist, setting the stage for an exciting 7-furlong race. Meanwhile, Los Alamitos saw an upset with Norco winning the Grade I Super Derby at long odds, continuing a trend of unexpected outcomes in major quarter-horse races. Post-Breeders’ Cup retirements and jockey comebacks added further intrigue to the racing scene.
California horse racing enthusiasts welcomed the news of Collected, a prominent stallion, relocating to Rancho San Miguel for the 2026 breeding season. Collected's success as a sire and his move to California signal a significant development in the state's breeding industry. However, the sport also faced somber moments with the loss of two horses at Los Alamitos due to training injuries, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns in horse racing.
Trainer Dale Romans made headlines by announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, adding a political twist to his illustrious career in horse racing. Romans' decision to enter the political arena reflects his desire for change and a new challenge outside the racetrack. As the racing season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling races and unexpected developments in the world of horse racing.