2010 Pacific Classic

One of the most anticipated racing events on the Del Mar Racecourse's racing calendar is the Pacific Classic Stakes. It is an annual event that is open to horses three years old and older, and is run over a distance of ten furlongs. With a purse of $1million, the Pacific Classic Stakes lures the best athletes from across America to participate, and this year was no different. Richards' Kid was able to successfully defend his title, and become the 2010 Pacific Classic Stakes winner.

Richard's Kid is the son of Lemon Drop Kid and Tough Broad, and is owned by Zabeel Racing International Corp. With a host of talented jockeys, such as Mike Smith, in the saddle and his trainer, Bob Baffert, at his side, Richard's Kid has raked in over $1.5 million in earnings during his career. On Saturday, 28 August 2010, The Usual Q.T. was sent off as the favorite to win the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, but this Grade 1 victory was to belong to Richard’s Kid, who was able to hold off Crowded House, that finished in second place. Smith’s decision to go wide in the final stretch allowed Richard’s Kid to chase down the front runners and win by three quarters of a length. Dakota Phone crossed the finish line in third place, followed by Battle of Hastings in fourth and The Usual Q.T. in fifth place. The victory cemented Richard's Kid into the history of the Pacific Classic Stakes, as he is now one of three horses who have been able to win this race two years consecutively.

Mike Smith, who was aboard Richard’s Kid with his 2009 Pacific Classic victory, commented that the race felt like last year all over again, saying: "The first three jumps out of the gate I said, Oh, ho, here we go. Just like last year. He gathered himself and he was just going so easy. He was moving just like you'd want. I could tell they were going a little too slow, so I had him up there a little closer than I normally would. But it was easily done. Then it was just like deja vu all over again." Richard’s Kid has now won himself an entry into the Breeder’s Cup Classic, which is being hosted by Churchill Downs on 6 November 2010.