The racing landscape at Delaware Park is set for a significant transformation in 2025, driven by the reclassification of its signature event. The Delaware Handicap, once a prestigious Grade 1 race, has been downgraded to Grade 3 by the American Graded Stakes Committee. This decision has prompted track officials to rethink the timing and format of this important race, leading to several strategic adjustments in the park's racing calendar. Additionally, new races and rescheduled events aim to enhance the overall appeal and competitiveness of the season.

The reorganization includes moving the Delaware Handicap to September, shortening its distance, and introducing a series of new stakes races designed to attract a wider range of horses. These changes are expected to create more opportunities for both seasoned and emerging talent, while also providing bettors with a richer selection of high-stakes events throughout the year.

Redefining the Delaware Handicap: A New Era Begins

The Delaware Handicap, a cornerstone of the park’s racing tradition, will undergo a major overhaul in 2025. Once a top-tier event that attracted elite fillies and mares, the race has faced challenges in recent years due to increased competition from other tracks. In response, officials have decided to shift the race to late September, positioning it as an ideal preparatory event for the Breeders’ Cup. The race will now be contested over a shorter distance, aligning it with more traditional prep races and potentially attracting a broader field of contenders.

This shift marks a departure from the race’s historical significance, which dates back to 1937. Traditionally held in early July and run over a grueling 1¼ miles, the DelCap had become synonymous with endurance and prestige. However, the rise of similar races at prominent venues like Belmont and Saratoga, coupled with dwindling elite entries, forced the park to reconsider its approach. By moving the race to September 28th and reducing the distance to 1⅛ miles, organizers hope to revitalize interest and provide a crucial stepping stone for horses aiming to peak during the fall racing season. The last time the DelCap was run at this distance was in 2020, during the pandemic, when Dunbar Road claimed victory before finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

New Opportunities for Young Talent and Sprinters

In addition to the changes surrounding the Delaware Handicap, the park has introduced several new races aimed at showcasing young talent and sprinters. The Delaware Oaks, a Grade 3 event for 3-year-old fillies, will now be part of a showcase card on October 14th, alongside the inaugural Delaware Derby, a $200,000 race for 3-year-old colts. This doubleheader creates a fresh opportunity for horses that may not have progressed through the Triple Crown or are late bloomers looking to make their mark in the second half of the year.

To further diversify the offerings, Delaware Park has also unveiled a series of stakes races for older female sprinters, including the Rehoboth, Dashing Beauty, and Endine, all set at 6 furlongs. These races, scheduled across May, July, and September, promise to attract a competitive field of sprinters and add excitement to the racing calendar. Meanwhile, the Robert G. Dick Memorial, another Grade 3 race, will remain on July 5th but will focus exclusively on female horses competing on turf. Overall, the park’s 2025 season will feature 18 stakes races spread across eight days, totaling nearly $3 million in purses, ensuring a robust and engaging program for both participants and spectators alike.