Delaware Park announces 2020 racing dates

Racing at Delaware Park – off in the 2018 Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes. Photo by Allison Janezic.
Edited press release
Delaware Park has announced an 85-day meet for the upcoming 83rd season of live racing after receiving approval from the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission January 22.
The live racing season will open on Wednesday, May 27 and conclude on Saturday, October 31. Live racing will be conducted Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Thursdays will be added June 18 through October 8. First race daily post time is set for 1:15pm.
The announced schedule marks a departure from last year, but a return to the schedule the track followed in 2018. In 2019, Delaware opened its meet on Kentucky Derby day, May 4, but the track subsequently had trouble filling race cards and canceled three times during May. In 2018, the track did not open until May 30.
The highlight of the season is the filly and mare summer classic, the mile-and-a-quarter Grade 2 Delaware Handicap on July 11. The Grade 3 Delaware Oaks will be contested on July 4.
LATEST BUSINESS NEWS
Preakness: $100,000 trainer bonus returns
For a ninth straight year, $100,000 in bonus money is on the table for trainers that run at least five horses in stakes races Preakness weekend.
April wagering handle lags 2024 number
April saw wagering handle on US races that was more than 5% below the April 2024 mark, as the industry continues to scuffle.
First horses arrive as Monmouth Park stable opens
With its 50-day meet kicking off May 10, Monmouth Park’s stable area welcomed the first horses Saturday morning.
Frustrations laid bare at MTROA meeting
In its first public meeting since the state legislature voted for its demise, members of Maryland’s MTROA sparred as frustrations were laid bare.
Smarty Jones leads new Hall of Fame inductees
Pennsylvania-bred Smarty Jones heads up the list of seven inductees to the national racing Hall of Fame.
Colonial: Claiming Crown preview set for Aug. 21
Colonial Downs will for the first time host a Claiming Crown Preview day on Aug. 21 featuring eight races run under starter allowance conditions.