by Jeff Lowe

Foal nominations for the Breeders’ Cup program declined by 9.2% last fall, from 16,089 in 2007 to 14,602 in ‘08.

The eligible foal crop was down 7.3%, from 29,083 foals in 2007, to 26,959 in ’08.

“This led to an 8.9% decline in foal nominations revenue,” said Dora Delgado, senior vice president of Breeders’ Cup nominations. “The decline was less than we had anticipated based on the 2008 crop and the economic climate. ... We continue to believe that the $500 nomination fee, which has remained constant since foal nominations were first accepted in 1983, provides great value to participating horsemen.”

In 2009, the Breeders’ Cup will offer $25.5-million in purses through the World Championships and $5-million through its stakes-supplement program.

Jeff Lowe is a THOROUGHBRED TIMES staff writer