by Jeff Lowe
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships will return to Churchill Downs for a record seventh time in 2010, both parties confirmed on Wednesday.
Churchill previously was the site for the Breeders’ Cup in 1988, '91, ’94, ’98, 2000, and ’06. The Louisville track has accounted for six of the seven largest crowds in Breeders’ Cup history, including a record 80,452 fans in 1998.
The 2006 Breeders’ Cup drew 76,132 fans and produced event records for on-track handle ($18,259,971) and total handle ($140,332,198). Churchill officials complained about the revenue split after the ‘06 event.
Churchill originally proposed to host the Breeders’ Cup in 2009 and at least one more time before 2016, but Breeders’ Cup Ltd. opted for an unprecedented two-year stay at Santa Anita Park in 2008 and ’09.
New York Racing Association President Charles Hayward said in early September that NYRA reached a handshake agreement with Breeders’ Cup Ltd. this spring for Belmont Park to be the site for the 2010 World Championships.
According to Hayward, Breeders’ Cup decided to go with Churchill instead this summer without offering NYRA a chance to respond.
Churchill and Breeders’ Cup Ltd. had been mum on plans for the 2010 event until Wednesday morning, when they convened for an official announcement at the Louisville racetrack.
“We are delighted to be returning the Breeders’ Cup to Churchill Downs and to our great supporters in Kentucky and throughout the region,” Breeders’ Cup Chairman Bill Farish said. “Churchill Downs has proven to be an outstanding Breeders’ Cup venue and is extremely popular with our horsemen and fans from around the world.
“Churchill will also provide an extraordinary site for our expanded two-day program of the Championships. We appreciate the efforts and enthusiasm displayed by Bob Evans and his management team in our agreement to bring the Breeders’ Cup back to Churchill Downs and continue an ongoing partnership that has been of great benefit to the Breeders’ Cup, Churchill Downs and the racing and breeding industry.”
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer