Del Mar Sets 2:00 p.m. First Post for 2026 Summer Meet

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club announced on Feb. 18, 2026 that its 2026 summer meet will run Friday, July 17 through Monday, Sept. 7 with a primary first post of 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on most race days, including Fridays, a shift that moves Friday cards two hours earlier than recent years when first post often began at 4:00 p.m. PT.

The announcement frames the timing change as an operational improvement, using press-release language that the move is intended “to provide fans, horsemen and women, and industry partners with a streamlined schedule.” BloodHorse and Paulick Report republished the unedited DMTC release that contains that exact phrasing and reiterates the track’s promise that the meet “will continue to feature the world-class racing, vibrant seaside atmosphere and signature events that have defined Del Mar for generations.”

Closing weekend will be the only scheduled deviation from the 2:00 p.m. PT start. Saturday through Monday, Sept. 5–7, have first posts set at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. EDT). For national audiences, outlets converted the primary start to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and noted the prior Friday start equated to 7:00 p.m. EDT, underscoring the two-hour earlier shift for Friday cards.

Del Mar’s graded-stakes calendar as reported alongside the post-time announcement includes two Grade 2 races on opening weekend Saturday, July 18: the San Diego Handicap and the San Clemente Handicap, and the marquee Pacific Classic (Grade 1) is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22. Horseracingnation emphasized that “each weekend will feature graded stakes,” a detail that frames the uniform post time against a stakes-heavy summer slate.

Practical details for horsemen, owners and visitors were also reiterated on the DMTC site: the track’s physical address is 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014 with mailing at DMTC, P.O. Box 700, Del Mar, CA 92014; media and public inquiries can use phone 858-755-1141 or email info@dmtc.com. The site notes Del Mar operates as a private club with an enforced dress code and requires guests be accompanied by a member, and that simulcast wagering is available in Mission Tower Wednesday through Sunday.

The change explicitly moves Friday racing from its recent 4:00 p.m. PT start to 2:00 p.m. PT, altering the schedules trainers, jockeys and owners have used in recent seasons. Track officials did not include named comments beyond the press-release language in the materials republished by BloodHorse, Paulick, TDN and Horseracingnation.

Del Mar set the schedule on Feb. 18, 2026; for confirmation of any additional exceptions or to request official quotes, contact DMTC at info@dmtc.com or 858-755-1141. Will the 2:00 p.m. start change your Del Mar plans? Share this story or leave a comment to tell us how the earlier post time affects your race-day routine.