Del Mar Welcomes Racing Hall of Famers This Summer

The Del Mar jockey colony is experiencing a significant evolution for its 2026 summer meet, marked by the arrival of elite riders. Notable additions include Hall of Famer Joel Rosario, who previously led the colony in 2009-2011 and has four Breeders' Cup wins at the track. Julien Leparoux, a two-time Eclipse Award winner with over 3,000 career victories, also returns. Florent Geroux, a winner of eight Breeders' Cup races and the 2024 Kentucky Derby, is a new face, known for his partnership with Gun Runner.

These star jockeys join a competitive roster including defending champion Juan Hernandez and Hall of Famers Mike Smith, Kent Desormeaux, and Victor Espinoza. Meanwhile, the Del Mar backside is expected to be bustling, with Racing Secretary David Jerkens reporting 2,608 stall applications from 147 trainers. This number suggests a full house, with some horses potentially being housed at San Luis Rey Downs and Los Alamitos to accommodate the demand.