Del Mar fatality rate far below national average

Del Mar, which will play host to the Breeders’ Cup for the second time this November, received outstanding marks as one of the safest tracks in the country, according to the data released Monday by The Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database.

Del Mar had one equine fatality from more than 3,400 starters in 42 days of racing at its summer and fall meetings combined in 2020, a rate of 0.29 per 1,000 starts, well below the national average of 1.41. This marked the third straight year Del Mar had been well below the national average.

In recent years, Del Mar along with the California Horse Racing Board and Thoroughbred Owners of California have put in enhanced safety measures, including hiring additional veterinarians to monitor morning training, along with out-of-competition testing and an entry-review panel.

“We believe the results of the last three years are a reflection of our overall commitment to the safety and welfare of our athletes but we understand fully that this is an ongoing effort that requires us to continue to do everything we can to provide the safest environment possible for racing and training here,” Joe Harper, Del Mar’s chief executive officer, said in a press release Tuesday. “This is a total team effort and we appreciate very much the hard work and cooperation of everyone involved”

Del Mar’s summer meeting begins July 16 and lasts through Labor Day, Sept. 6. The fall meeting, from Nov. 3 through Nov. 28, includes the Breeders’ Cup Nov. 5-6.