The $500,000, Grade 2 Delaware Handicap on July 8 highlights the stake schedule worth $2.25 million.  All graded and listed stake races will be run Lasix-free in 2023.  For the first time in the history of the filly and mare summer classic, the 86^th renewal will be contested at the distance of a mile and three-sixteenths.  The race has been run at the traditional mile-and-a-quarter distance every year since 1951 with the exception of 2020, when the race was run at a mile and an eighth because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to 1951, the race was run at a mile and a sixteenth.

“It has become increasingly more difficult to consistently attract the top contenders in the filly and mare division with the race at a mile-and-a-quarter, but we also want to be respectful of the distance aspect of the tradition as much as possible,” said Director of Racing Jerome “Jed” Doro.  “We are hoping a sixteenth of a mile less will encourage more of the top contenders in the division to come while still keeping the race attractive to those who want a little more ground.”

The $150,000 Battery Park and the $100,000 Dashing Beauty will also be run as part of the Delaware Handicap card.

The $300,000 Grade III Delaware Oaks will be run on Saturday, July 1 with the $250,000 Grade III Robert G. Dick Memorial and the $100,000 Alapocas Stakes.

The 31^st Owners Day Showcase showcasing the best of the best in Delaware racing is slated for Saturday, September 9.  The day will feature the $100,000 George Rosenberger Memorial, the $100,000 DTHA Governors Day, which are both restricted to horses who have started at Delaware Park in 2023 (stakes races excluded); the Robert W. Camac Memorial and the Rich Glazier Turf Classic.

The $100,000 Small Wonder and the $100,000 First State, restricted to Delaware-bred or certified 2-year-olds, will be run on Wednesday, September 27 and the $100,000 Tax Free Shopping Distaff and the $100,000 New Castle, restricted to Delaware-bred or certified older horses, will be run on Thursday, September 28.