What is the San Diego Handicap?
The San Diego Handicap is a Grade II Thoroughbred race held annually at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt for horses aged three and older, it is the premier dirt race of the Del Mar summer meet and the key prep race for the Grade I Pacific Classic, Del Mar's signature $1 million event held later in the season. Inaugurated on July 3, 1937 as part of the very first race card ever held at Del Mar, the San Diego Handicap is one of the oldest stakes races in the history of the track. The race has produced some of the most celebrated older dirt horses in California racing, including three-time winner Native Diver, who won from 1963 to 1965, and more recently champions California Chrome (2016) and Maximum Security (2020). Trainer John Sadler holds the modern record for most wins with five, having won the race in 2003, 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019 with Catalina Cruiser taking back-to-back editions in 2018 and 2019.
When is the San Diego Handicap in 2026?
The 2026 San Diego Handicap is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at Del Mar Racetrack. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt with a purse of $200,000, the race draws the top older dirt horses on the West Coast targeting the Grade I Pacific Classic in August.
San Diego Handicap History & Notable Winners
Nysos gave trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Flavien Prat a dominant 2025 victory in 1:42.61 for owner Baoma Corp. Dr. Venkman gave trainer Mark Glatt and jockey Antonio Fresu a 2024 win in 1:43.36 for the partnership of Dan Agnew, Clint Bunch, Mark Cohen, and James Hailey. Senor Buscador gave trainer Todd Fincher and jockey Geovanni Franco a dramatic 2023 victory in 1:42.54, rallying from 10 lengths back at the half-mile point to win going away. Royal Ship gave Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Mike Smith a 2022 win in 1:42.75 for Fox Hollow Racing and Siena Farm. Express Train gave trainer John Shirreffs and jockey Juan Hernandez a 2021 score in 1:43.37 for CRK Stable.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nysos | Flavien Prat | 1:42.61 |
| 2024 | Dr. Venkman | Antonio Fresu | 1:43.36 |
| 2023 | Senor Buscador | Geovanni Franco | 1:42.54 |
| 2022 | Royal Ship | Mike E. Smith | 1:42.75 |
| 2021 | Express Train | Juan Hernandez | 1:43.37 |
The San Diego Handicap is the most important dirt race of the Del Mar summer meet and the traditional gateway to the Grade I Pacific Classic each August.
