Joe Harper, CEO of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, will step down from his day-to-day role and will assume the title of CEO emeritus at the end of this year, DMTC officials announced Friday.
Harper, 83, who originally joined Del Mar in 1977, will also remain as a director on the DMTC board.
“Joe Harper’s name and presence have been synonymous with Del Mar for nearly 50 years and his stewardship of this association and this facility has been invaluable to Thoroughbred racing in California and the U.S.,” said David Batchelder, chairman of the DMTC Board. “Over the years, we witnessed Joe’s amazing ability to tackle the challenges associated with this business while fostering the respect and goodwill of the horsemen and women from around the globe, our state and local officials, and his colleagues in the racing industry. The DMTC Board is grateful for his countless contributions.”
DMTC’s Board has selected Del Mar President Josh Rubinstein to succeed him as CEO beginning on Jan. 1.
Harper joined the organization in 1977 as general manager after six years as executive vice president at the Oak Tree Racing Association, which operated the annual autumn meet at Santa Anita for 40 years. He oversaw the demolition and reconstruction of the Del Mar grandstand from 1990-92 and the introduction of the Grade I Pacific Classic in 1991, a statement from DMTC read.
“I am really proud to have been a part of the long and incredibly rich history of Del Mar,” Harper said. “This is a special place that transcends horse racing; it’s a unique mix of sport, lifestyle and culture. I have so many great memories about the people I’ve met and worked with and the times I’ve spent here that Del Mar is a part of me. But I think it is now time for me to step into a different role and I am happy the board has honored me with the CEO emeritus position where I can continue to be an advisor while also continuing to serve as a director.
“At the same time, I couldn’t be more thrilled that the board has chosen Josh to succeed me in the role of CEO. I know he values Del Mar as much as I do and that it is in capable hands under his leadership going forward.”
Del Mar hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for the first time in 2017 under Harper’s leadership. It returned in 2021, 2024 and 2025.
Rubinstein will continue as president of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
“Joe has been an inspiration and a guiding light to me throughout my career. I am especially appreciative that he is staying on as CEO Emeritus and as a director where we can continue to benefit from his wisdom and leadership,” Rubinstein said. “I am honored to build upon the foundation Joe has created and to continue working alongside the best management team in the industry.”
