AQHA Competition Returns to Del Mar in 2027 with the Launch of The Del Mar Classic

Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association is preparing to welcome exhibitors back to Del Mar with a new signature show.

The Del Mar Classic, a new AQHA, NSBA, and PCQHA approved event, is scheduled for June 2–6, 2027 (pending), at the newly renovated Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, California.

Managed by longtime horseman and AQHA judge Clay MacLeod, The Del Mar Classic represents more than the addition of another show to California’s event calendar. Organizers hope it will mark the return of the destination competition for which Del Mar was once known,
bringing together exhibitors from across California and beyond.

For decades, MacLeod managed the Sun & Surf Quarter Horse Circuit at Del Mar. Beginning in the late 1980s, Sun & Surf grew into one of California’s most recognized Quarter Horse circuits, regularly attracting exhibitors from Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. The show was also named PCQHA Show of the Year multiple times.

At its height, Sun & Surf offered the depth of competition that made Del Mar a destination on the West Coast show calendar. In 2018, for example, the circuit featured six AQHA shows over four days, NSBA dual-approved classes and added-money futurities, with some individual classes drawing more than 40 entries.

Organizers now hope to bring that same sense of competition and destination appeal back to Southern California, this time at a dramatically transformed venue.

A New Era for Del Mar Horsepark

Del Mar Horsepark closed in 2021 and later underwent a major renovation before reopening for competition in 2023.

The improvements touched nearly every aspect of the exhibitor experience. Renovations included new arena footing, drainage improvements, larger stalls, upgraded electrical infrastructure, new fencing, updated restrooms, expanded hospitality areas and other facility
enhancements.

Today, the Horsepark offers a significantly upgraded setting compared with the facility many exhibitors may remember from years past. The renovation itself is an important part of the new event’s appeal.

In a statement, the PCQHA Board of Directors said, “We’re really excited about the opportunity to bring a premier AQHA event back to Southern California. Del Mar is such a special destination, the weather in early June is incredible, you’re minutes from the beach, and the
newly renovated Horsepark gives us a beautiful facility to host the caliber of event we’re hoping to create. There aren’t as many major AQHA shows in Southern California as there once were, so we saw a real opportunity to bring something back to this part of the state and build a show that attracts great competition from California and across the West.”

With beaches, restaurants, shopping and coastal weather nearby, Del Mar gives exhibitors the opportunity to pair high-level competition with a destination horse-show atmosphere.

Building a Competitive West Coast Destination

The 2027 Del Mar Classic is planning to offer a broad slate of AQHA all-around classes, ranch events, English and Western versatility, along with NSBA-approved competition. Reining and cattle events are not currently planned.

For PCQHA, the broader vision is to rebuild, as exhibitors have had fewer opportunities to experience a major Southern California show capable of drawing strong competition from across the Nation while giving local exhibitors another high-quality event closer to home.

With MacLeod once again at the helm and a revitalized Del Mar Horsepark providing the backdrop, the Del Mar Classic will blend the legacy of Sun & Surf with a new vision for the future.

The Del Mar Classic is scheduled for June 2–6, 2027 (pending), at Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, California. Additional details, including the show schedule, judges, awards and special events, will be announced in the coming months.

Make It a California Double

With the Mother’s Day Circuit in Paso Robles following just a few days later, exhibitors will have the opportunity to enjoy two great California shows back-to-back: The Del Mar Classic, June 2–6, followed by the Mother’s Day Circuit, June 9–13.

Start at the beach in Del Mar, then head north to the heart of Paso Robles wine country for another great week of showing. It’s a chance to make one trip west and experience two destination AQHA shows.