NEWS
Thistledown cancels Ohio Derby in 2009
Posted: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:37 PM
by Pete Denk
Thistledown has canceled the $300,000 Ohio Derby (G2) for 2009 as a cost-saving measure.
Track owner Magna Entertainment Corp. is in bankruptcy. Held in early summer, the Ohio Derby is the only graded stakes in Ohio.
“For the 2009 season, we agreed with the Thistledown horsemen to suspend the Ohio Derby for one year,” said Thistledown General Manager Brent Reitz. “It's a decision that will help secure a solid purse structure and maintain a good, full season of racing opportunities to benefit the horsemen who race with us the entire season.”
The Ohio Derby was first held in 1876 and has been run without interruption since 1952. Multiple graded stakes winner Smooth Air won the Ohio Derby in 2008. Past winners include eventual Horse of the Year Skip Away, who won the race in ‘96 en route to champion three-year-old male honors.
Thistledown’s remaining stakes schedule is highlighted by the 23rd running of the Best of Ohio, a series of championship races for state-breds on October 3.
“It's a balanced package of 16 stakes for Ohio-breds, worth more than $1-million,” said Director of Racing L. William Couch. “We are more than happy to once again be hosting the Best of Ohio. Thistledown is becoming home to the centerpiece races for Buckeye runners. This is will be our 11th time serving as the venue for the Best of Ohio.”
Pete Denk is sales editor of THOROUGHBRED TIMES
