Del 'Cap again highlights Delaware Park schedule

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Stanton, DE (SportsNetwork.com) - The 2014 stakes schedule for Delaware Park has been finalized and once again the $750,000 Delaware Handicap (Del 'Cap) is the leading event.

The 1 1/4-mile stakes for fillies and mares will be conducted for the 77th time on Saturday, July 12. This year's winner will be the first not named Royal Delta since 2011 when Blind Luck defeated Havre de Grace, before the runner-up was voted Horse of the Year.

"Ladies have always been first at Delaware Park, and they always will be," said Executive Director of Racing John Mooney. "That is by design. Through the decades, we have enjoyed hosting some of the greatest fillies and mares of the sport. I congratulate the Royal Delta connections on another championship campaign, and I look forward to seeing the next exciting chapter of this proud filly and mare tradition."

In keeping with tradition, the $300,000 Delaware Oaks for 3-year-old fillies will go off the Saturday prior to the running of the Del 'Cap. The 1 1/16-mile Oaks was won by Blind Luck in 2010 in a classic finish with Havre de Grace.

Delaware Park's 77th season of live racing starts Saturday, May 17 and concludes Wednesday, Oct. 22.

The track also announced Wednesday the promotion of Jerome 'Jed' Doro to the position of Racing Secretary. The 34-year-old Doro replaces Pat Pope, who recently was named Racing Secretary at Prairie Meadows in Iowa.

"I am very pleased to announce on behalf of Delaware Park that Jerome Doro has been offered and has accepted the position of Racing Secretary," said John Mooney the Executive Director of Racing at Delaware Park. "Jed has a thorough knowledge of the horses, trainers and jockeys who participate in Delaware racing on an annual basis. The entire staff is excited and looking forward to supporting him in his new role."

Doro had been Delaware's Assistant Racing Secretary the last six years.

"I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the challenges of being Racing Secretary," said Doro. "I am especially excited about being given this opportunity at the track where I have worked for the last six years. With the support from our entire staff, I look forward to carrying on the tradition of exciting and competitive racing at Delaware Park."

The native of Minnesota currently serves as the Assistant Director of Racing at Oaklawn Park and will assume his role of Racing Secretary at Delaware Park when the Arkansas track's meeting concludes.