The Delaware Handicap, a popular horse race, is undergoing a change in its traditional schedule. For the first time, the race will be moved to September instead of July. This decision is part of a larger shift in the racing season at Delaware Park. The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission has approved a new schedule for 2025 that includes several exciting updates and new events. This change is sure to bring fresh excitement to horse racing fans in the state of Delaware.
Delaware Park Racing Schedule Changes for 2025
Racing Season Dates and Format
Delaware Park’s live racing season will start on May 14 and run until October 11, 2025. The track will offer 75 race days during this period. Most of these races will happen on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with a few Fridays added to the schedule. The first race on these days will begin at 12:45 p.m. EDT.
Special Friday Races
There will be ten special Friday race cards spread throughout the season. These Fridays will feature exciting races, including July 4, which is a holiday known for attracting many spectators. The dates for these Fridays are:
- May 30, June 6, June 13
- July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25
- August 1, August 8, August 15
Special Sunday Cards in September
In addition to the usual race days, Delaware Park will hold special Sunday races in September. These Sundays will focus on key races featuring Delaware-bred horses. For example, on September 14, four races will be held for horses certified by the Delaware Thoroughbred Program. The total purse for these races will be $100,000, with different races for fillies, mares, and 2-year-olds.
The Delaware Handicap Moves to September
A New Date for a Classic Race
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the moving of the Delaware Handicap to September. This Grade 3 race, which used to take place in early July, will now be held on September 28. This change marks an important shift in the race calendar and is expected to add new excitement to the fall racing season.
A Historic Moment for the Delaware Handicap
The Delaware Handicap is a prestigious filly-and-mare race, which will be run at 1 1/8 miles for only the second time in history. The purse for this race will be $400,000. The supporting races for the Delaware Handicap will include the Battery Park Stakes (for 3-year-olds and older) and the Wilmington Stakes (for horses 3 years and up).
Other Major Events at Delaware Park
The racing schedule also includes other important events in 2025. On September 27, the Kent Stakes and Christiana Stakes will highlight the action, with both races being held on the turf. These races are for 3-year-olds and 3-year-old fillies, respectively. The Endine Stakes will also be a featured event for fillies and mares.
The Delaware Derby and Delaware Oaks
On June 14, Delaware Park will host the Delaware Derby for the first time in its history. This race will be 1 1/16 miles long and will offer a purse of $200,000. It will be run alongside the Delaware Oaks, a Grade 3 race for fillies, which has a purse of $300,000. These events will also feature other supporting races, including the Obeah Stakes and Alapocas Run.
With a revamped schedule, Delaware Park is set to offer a fresh and exciting lineup of races in 2025. The Delaware Handicap’s move to September and the introduction of new events like the Delaware Derby promise to bring even more attention to the track. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season of live racing, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy high-stakes competition and the thrill of horse racing.
Visit Home