NEWS
Breeders’ Cup Challenge spreads to Europe
Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:14 AM
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge will expand to Europe for the first time this year with three “Win and You’re In” races at Ascot on September 27.
The addition of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-G1), Meon Valley Stud Fillies’ Mile (Eng-G1), and Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Eng-G2) will boost the total Breeders’ Cup Challenge series to 53 races, an increase from 24 in 2007.
“Ascot is one of the world’s greatest racing venues, and for centuries has been the hallmark of the finest competition in international racing,” said Breeders’ Cup President Greg Avioli. "It is an honor and a privilege for us to be able to include these tremendous races from Ascot in this year's Challenge."
Challenge races offer automatic qualification for the World Championships on October 24-25 at Santa Anita Park, although pre-entry and entry fees still apply.
"Ascot is delighted that the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Royal Lodge, and Fillies' Mile will this year be a part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge in the run up to the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita,” said Charles Barnett, chief executive at Ascot. “From our point of view, with the additional profile and coverage that this will give them in the United States, this is excellent news for our sponsors, especially for Sony, who we recently announced as new backers of the QEII.
"We would like to think that this will have a positive effect on nominations for the three races as they are perfectly positioned as launch pads to the new turf races at the expanded Breeders' Cup World Championships.”
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge will begin with the Champions Mile (HK-G1) on April 27 at Sha Tin racecourse and shift to the United States on July 5 with races from Monmouth Park, including the United Nations Stakes (G1).
