The phrase “world record” is sure to raise the interest of a sports fans, especially if it’s not an Olympic year with records falling by the dozen. So, when Del Mar revealed that a new world-record for claiming price was set July 31, 2025, at the seaside track, it was indeed newsworthy.

Trainer Vladimir Cerin claimed a 2-year-old named Mr. A. P. for a record price of $150,000 on behalf of new owners Holly and David Wilson out of a 5 ½-furlong maiden claiming race in which he finished second.

For those unfamiliar with the claiming game in Thoroughbred racing, claiming races are races where each horse entered is up for sale at a pre-determined price. Owners interested in buying a horse in a claiming race notify the racing secretary at the track before the race is run, and if two more owners stake their claim on a particular horse, their names are put on pills that are then placed in a cup for the “shake” and then one is drawn out. The original owner is entitled to the horse’s winnings as well as the proceeds of the sale. Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Kenny McPeek does a better job explaining than we do:

Mr. A.P. is a Kentucky-bred 2-year-old by 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. He was produced by the multiple stakes-winning Discreet Cat mare Trenchtown Cat. He finished second, beaten by 5 ¼ lengths by winner Dirty Rich in what was his debut race. After the race, Mr. A. P. quickly got back to business for his new connections with a three-furlong workout on Aug. 11 at Del Mar. Expect to see him back in action for his second start in the near future.

Del Mar’s highest claim previously was for $125,000 in 2005 on a 4-year-old colt named Smoocher.

Mr. A. P. at auction in October 2024. (Fasig-Tipton photo)