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NEW YORK - The Breeders' Cup world thoroughbred championships has announced the addition of three US$1 million ($1.4 million) races and a second day to its programme.
The changes, the most significant expansion to the Breeders' Cup since it was formed 24 years ago, will begin at this year's event at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, on October 26-27.
"Today's marketplace demands change, innovation and the willingness to take chances," Breeders' Cup president Greg Avioli said. "The Breeders' Cup board has embraced this and is giving us the freedom and responsibility to take the event to the next level."
The new races, to be run Friday, October 26, are the Dirt Mile for 3-year-olds and up, the Filly & Mare Sprint for 3-year-olds and up, and the Juvenile Turf, a 1-mile event.
In addition to the three new races, there will be three other stakes races on the Friday card that will each carry a purse of US$250,000, officials said.
Purses for the 10-race card will total US$4 million, making it the second-richest racing day in North America. Total purses for the 11 Breeders' Cup races over the two days will increase to US$23 million, up from US$20 million at the 2006 event held at Churchill Downs.
- REUTERS
