Curlin To Defend His Breeders’ Cup Classic Title
Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin will defend his title in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on October 25 at Santa Anita Park. The announcement came a day after Big Brown retired due to an injury.
Curlin’s majority owner Jess Jackson announced the decision on a conference call, saying, “I owe it to the horse. Curlin tells us he’s fit. He loves to compete.”
An initial entry payment was due Tuesday. A second and final entry payment for the Breeders’ Cup Classic is due on October 21. Race horses pre-entered in the 14 Breeders’ Cup races will be announced Thursday.
Curlin is expected to take on the undefeated Japanese colt Casino Drive and some of Europe’s top race horses in the 2008 Breeders’ Cup which will be run on a synthetic track for the first time.
The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown will not be facing Curiln in the Breeders’ Cup Classic after injuring his foot during a workout in New York’s Aqueduct.
“My family and I were saddened to learn of Big Brown’s career-ending injury. I’ve always said what a great horse Big Brown is and he brought a lot of energy and excitement to the industry,” Jess Jackson said. “I’m disappointed Big Brown and Curlin will never compete against each other. It was a dream of mine.”
Curlin goes into the Breeders’ Cup Classic as North America’s all-time leading thoroughbred money earner with more than $10 million. He will try to become just the second horse to be a consecutive Breeders’ Cup Classic winner.
The 2008 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held on October 24-25 at Santa Anita.
Tags: Curlin
"Curlin To Defend His Breeders’ Cup Classic Title" was posted on 14 October 2008 9:43 PM under Horse Racing News, Horses, Racing Picks & Betting Tips, Stakes Races
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