Attendance, handle up for Pacific Classic compared to last year

DEL MAR, Calif. – Saturday’s Pacific Classic day program at Del Mar showed an increase in attendance and handle compared to 2024, according to figures released by the track.

Del Mar drew an ontrack crowd of 13,342 compared to 12,494 in 2024. The attendance was the highest of the decade, but well below 20,686 in 2019, the last running of the Pacific Classic before the pandemic.

All-sources handle was more than $26.39 million, a sizable increase from $23.12 million in 2024, but lower than $27.7 million in 2023. The 2021 Pacific Classic program drew a handle of $36.02 million, a record for the biggest racing day of the track’s summer meeting.

The current meeting continues through Sept. 7.

Saturday’s handle was the 10th highest in track history, but will have a short stay in that position. The Breeders’ Cup programs on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 will have much greater all-sources handle.

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