Joe Harper, the chief executive officer of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) who will be retiring from his position at the end of the year, has been named the 22nd winner of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, the track announced Saturday.
Named for and presented by the Hall of Fame rider, the award recognizes those who have served the sport of racing “with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction.” Harper, 83, recently announced his impending retirement from his full-time position, and his transition to the title CEO Emeritus at the end of 2026. He would still serve as part of the DMTC Board of Directors.
Harper will be honored Saturday, Aug. 22 on Pacific Classic Day, the track's premier Grade I event and a 'Win and You're In' contest to the Breeders' Cup Classic–an event he was instrumental in bringing to the seaside oval on four separate occasions.
For a full list of previous winners of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award as well as to read a detailed description of Harper's philanthropic endeavors, please go here.
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