What is the Pacific Classic?
The Pacific Classic is one of the premier Grade 1 races for older horses in the United States. Held annually at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California, the race is run over a distance of 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on dirt. It is open to three-year-olds and older horses, but it is especially known for showcasing top older horses during the summer racing season.
First run in 1991, the Pacific Classic quickly established itself as a major late-summer target, offering a high purse and a prestigious stepping stone toward events like the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
History and Prestige
The Pacific Classic was created to elevate the summer meet at Del Mar by offering a marquee event that could rival major races at Saratoga and Arlington. The inaugural running lived up to expectations, with Best Pal capturing the first edition and setting a high standard for future renewals.
One of the most famous moments in Pacific Classic history came in 1996 when Cigar, who at the time was one of the most celebrated horses in America, was upset by Dare and Go, ending Cigar’s 16-race winning streak.
The race has since become a defining event for West Coast dirt runners, and it often plays a critical role in the year-end Eclipse Award races.
Race Conditions and Surface
The Pacific Classic has been run on different surfaces over the years. While traditionally contested on dirt, Del Mar switched to a synthetic Polytrack surface for a period in the mid-2000s before returning to a dirt surface in 2015. The return to dirt aligned the race more closely with other major Grade 1 races leading into the Breeders’ Cup.
Del Mar’s dirt track plays fairly to both speed and stalking types, depending on weather and track maintenance, but the long stretch run provides plenty of opportunity for a well-timed closing kick.
Notable Winners
Over the years, the Pacific Classic has produced an impressive roster of champions, including:
- Best Pal (1991)
- General Challenge (1999)
- Skimming (2000 and 2001)
- Pleasantly Perfect (2004)
- California Chrome (2016)
- Accelerate (2018)
- Flightline (2022, by a record-setting margin)
Flightline’s 2022 win, in particular, was one of the most dominant performances in the race’s history, securing his place among the sport’s elite.
Importance in the Racing Calendar
The Pacific Classic is a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, granting the winner an automatic berth into one of the most prestigious races in the world. As a result, the Pacific Classic often features horses aiming for major fall campaigns and helps shape the field for championship events.
It also adds to Del Mar’s rich summer racing tradition, standing alongside races like the Del Mar Oaks and Del Mar Handicap as highlights of the meet.
Final Thoughts
The Pacific Classic is where legends are tested and careers are defined. With a rich history, strong purses, and a prime spot on the racing calendar, it remains a must-watch race for fans and an essential target for top-level horses.
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