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The 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships will be held at California’s Santa Anita Park, which is also this year’s host. It is the first time in Breeders’ Cup history that the event will be hosted in the same site for 2 consecutive years. The 2008-09 BC will be held during the Oak Tree Racing Association meet.
The Breeders’ Cup is not a stranger in southern California. Santa Anita has hosted the Breeders’ Cup three times, in 2003, 1993 and 1986. Three of the first four Breeders’ Cups were held in California, in 1984 at Hollywood Park, 1986 at Santa Anita Park and 1987 again at Hollywood Park.
The Breeders’ Cup is horse racing’s most prestigious event. It annually attracts the best race horses from North America and Europe. Over the past 3 years, the Breeders’ Cup has experienced unprecedented growth, with total races expanding from 8 to 14, and total purses increasing from $14 million to $25.5 million, the richest prize-money event in sports.
Last year’s Breeders’ Cup at Monmouth Park marked the first time that the event was conducted as a two-day format. It consisted of 11 races and $23 million in purses. In December, the event was again expanded, as three more races were added to the program: the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and the $500,000 Breeders’ Cup Marathon.
“We are excited about the prospect for consecutive years in America’s second largest media market. Santa Anita is a fantastic venue and the Oak Tree Racing Association has been a great partner during our 25-year history,” said Bill Farish, chairman of Breeders’ Cup Ltd.
Breeders’ Cup officials confirmed that Santa Anita’s hosting of the BC for consecutive years does not indicate a permanent change to a consecutive year format and that future host sites would be evaluated on a case by case basis.
“We will pursue discussions for the 2010 Breeders’ Cup and years beyond with Churchill Downs, Del Mar and the New York Racing Association (NYRA), among others,” said Greg Avioli, president and chief executive officer of Breeders’ Cup Ltd.
“We are pleased that Breeders’ Cup has placed this confidence in Oak Tree and our Santa Anita management team to host the Breeders’ Cup in consecutive years,” said Sherwood Chillingworth, executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association. “We’re delighted to be selected again. 2008 will be the third time that I have been involved in the hosting of a Breeders’ Cup and I never tire of it.”
Oak Tree Racing Association was formed in 1969 as a not-for-profit organization with all of its net profits going to charitable entities, predominantly those equine-related. Since its inception, Oak Tree has contributed more than $25 million for these purposes.
The 2008 Breeders’ Cup will be held on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 while the 2009 Breeders’ Cup will be held on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.
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