Delaware Park has announced that Opening Day for its 2026 live racing season will be Wednesday, May 13, kicking off the 89th year of live racing. The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission has approved a 75 day live racing schedule, concluding on Saturday, October 17.
Racing will be conducted:
o May & June: Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday
o Exceptions: No racing Thursday, May 14; special Friday card on May 29
o July: Wednesday through Saturday (four days per week)
o August--October: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
o Exceptions: No racing Friday, September 4; special cards Wednesday, September 9 and Wednesday, October 14
May Starter Bonus Program
Delaware Park will offer a starter bonus during the month of May:
o Horsemen stabled at Delaware Park by April 30
o $1,200 bonus ($1,000 trainer / $200 owner)
o Requires: dirt races with ≥8 starters; turf races with ≥10 starters
o Definition: To be considered "stabled," at least 25% of allotted stalls must be filled by April 30 with horses approved by the racing secretary and intended to start.
o Horsemen not stabled by April 30
o $700 bonus ($500 trainer / $200 owner)
o Races with smaller fields
o If a dirt race has <8 starters or turf has <10 starters: $500 bonus ($300 trainer / $200 owner)
o Additional non seasonal stabling bonus
o Horsemen stabled between December 7, 2025 and March 14, 2026 may receive an additional $300 ($200 trainer / $100 owner)
For complete starter bonus details, contact the racing department.
Stakes Highlights
After setting an all time track handle record of nearly $6.5 million during its inaugural running, the $300,000 Delaware Derby returns on Saturday, June 13, alongside the Grade III $300,000 Delaware Oaks.
The Grade III $500,000 Delaware Handicap, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, headlines the $4.3 million 2026 stakes schedule. The purse will increase to $600,000 if a Grade I or II winner from 2025 or 2026 enters and starts in the Delaware Handicap.
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