What is the Delaware Handicap?
The Delaware Handicap is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Delaware Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The race is open to fillies and mares three years old and up, covering a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt.
When is the Delaware Handicap in 2026?
The 2026 Delaware Handicap is scheduled to take place on July 18th. This prestigious race is a highlight of the summer racing season and attracts top-tier fillies and mares.
Delaware Handicap Winners
Notable winners of the Diana Stakes include superstar mares like Royal Delta, a standout mare, captured back-to-back wins in 2012 and 2013, becoming a fan favorite and one of the most celebrated horses in recent years, Elate also captured back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019. These winners exemplify the high level of competition and the prestige associated with the Delaware Handicap.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Regaled | Joseph D. Ramos | D. Whitworth Beckman | Ribble Farms and Front Page Equestrian LLC | 1:50.94 |
| 2024 | Honor D Lady | José Ortiz | Saffie Joseph, Jr. | Final Furlong Farm and Madaket Stables, LLC | 1:59.86 |
| 2023 | Idiomatic | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | Juddmonte | 1:56.41 |
| 2022 | Miss Leslie | Angel Cruz | Claudio A. Gon | BB Horses | 2:04.50 |
| 2021 | Miss Marissa | Daniel Centeno | James Ryerson | Cammarota Racing LLC | 2:04.50 |
| 2020 | Dunbar Road | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad Brown | Peter M. Brant | 1:49.02 |
Over the decades, the Delaware Handicap has evolved from a regional race to a nationally significant event. Changes in purse size, track conditions, and the quality of participating horses have all contributed to its current status as a premier race for fillies and mares.
