Palomar Handicap

The Palomar Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually during the second week of September at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The Grade II race is run on turf at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles (8.5 furlongs) and is open to filles and mares, age three and up.

The Palomar Handicap was first run in 1945 as a six furlong race on dirt for three-year-olds. It was not run again until 1952 when it was made an event for three-year-old filles. After being put on hiatus again, it became an annual event in 1955. Since 1970, it has been contested on turf. From its inception, the race has been contested at various distances:

• 6 furlongs : 1945-1969
• 7.5 furlongs : 1970-1976
• 8 furlongs (1 mile) - 1977-1987
• 8.5 furlongs (1 ¹/<small>16</small> miles) : 1988–present

It was raced in two divisions in 1970, 1971, 1973, 1982, and 1991.

Records

Speed record: (at current distance of 8.5 furlongs)

• 1:39.67 - Mea Domina (2006)

Most wins:

• 2 - Tranquility Lake (2000, 2001)

Most wins by an owner:

• 3 - Juddmonte Farms (1992, 2004, 2005)

Most wins by a jockey:

• 5 - Bill Shoemaker (1952, 1971, 1973, 1979, 1982)

Most wins by a trainer:

• 8 - Robert J. Frankel (1986, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007)
• 7 - Charles Wittingham (1973, 1974, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1989)

Winners

<span style="font-size:85%">* † In 1984, Royal Heroine finished first but was disqualified and set back to...
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