Hernandez, D'Amato Repeat As Del Mar Leaders

Monday, September 11, 2023 | 9:17 am

Jockey Juan Hernandez celebrates aboard Avenue de France after their victory in the Grade II, $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes, Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar CA. © BENOIT PHOTO

With 39 wins and over $3 million in earnings, jockey Juan Hernandez won his second straight summer meet title at Del Mar while trainer Phil D'Amato picked up his fourth trainer's title out of the last five years.

Similar to 2022, the trainer's title came down to the final day. D'Amato went into the final day with a one-win lead over Baffert and two over Doug O'Neill. All three posted one winner on the day. D'Amato won the summer meet title for the second straight year with 21 victories.

Last year, Bob Baffert won the GI Del Mar Futurity with Cave Rock (Arrogate) to tie Philip D'Amato for a share the trainer's title while this year, Baffert won the Futurity with 'TDN Rising Star' Prince of Monaco (Speightstown) but came up one win short.