Overview
- Del Mar officials announced Friday that Joe Harper, 83, will retire from day-to-day duties at the end of 2026, take the title CEO Emeritus and remain a director on the DMTC board.
- The DMTC Board selected President Josh Rubinstein to become CEO on January 1, 2027, and he will continue in his current president role through the transition.
- Harper’s nearly five-decade tenure included rebuilding the grandstand in 1990–92, founding the Grade I Pacific Classic in 1991, and leading Del Mar to host the Breeders’ Cup in 2017, 2021, 2024 and 2025.
- Rubinstein, Del Mar president since 2018, is credited with producing record-setting meets, advancing equine safety programs, and strengthening industry partnerships through service on multiple racing boards.
- The internal handoff aims to preserve operational continuity for racing schedules, safety initiatives, and commercial partnerships while keeping Harper available as an adviser for club leadership and stakeholders.