The 2021 Arabian meet at Delaware Park is over
2 July 2021, Delaware Park, USA ~ Horse racing is one of the world’s oldest and greatest sports and has provided many of us with some of our best lifetime memories. Arabian racing was established at Delaware Park in 1984 through the efforts of several passionate leaders who worked very hard to bring Arabian racing into the major pari-mutual venues.
The Eastern Arabian Racing Assocition (EARA) has had many years of wonderful collaboration with Delaware Park, and we are extremely grateful to the executives and staff who welcomed the Arabian horses and for their support to the community.
We regret to announce that the 2021 meet is over, and we will lose the three remaining Graded Stakes that were scheduled for Labor Day weekend. We are very disappointed, and it is a very troubling sign for the future of Arabian racing.
This year has proven to be a difficult one globally and here in the U.S. Even with the challenges, Delaware Park provided a fantastic opportunity for Arabian horses at their summer meet, offering the most races weekly and two Grade 1 Stakes races for older horses, yet it failed to get the support of many owners and trainers.
That lack of support has the direct result of being the end of summer racing at Delaware Park after 37 years.
Many champions were established at the east coast oval. Delaware winners have stamped their careers in racing, and many Darley Award winners are the legacy of USA breeding.
Since the Arabian breed is welcomed at so few recognized tracks in the U.S., losing Delaware Park will be felt by all.
Howell Wallace, EARA Board of Director
Alan Kirshner, EARA Board of Director
Amanda Roxborough, EARA Breed Rep