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Fillies and mares take center stage on Breeders' Cup Friday
The Ladies Classic will be the premier race on the Breeders' Cup Friday program. Since 1984 it has proven to be a definitive female championship race as 18 of its winners were named divisional champions. Two Distaff winners, Lady's Secret (1986) and Azeri (2002), were also voted Horse of the Year. In perhaps the most dramatic race in Breeders' Cup history, the four-year-old filly Personal Ensign won the Distaff in 1988 to finish her career undefeated. In addition to the championship events at the track, the Breeders' Cup plans to develop a series of Championship festivities designed to promote the new Friday format, including: - Cause-related programs focused on women's health - On-site initiatives for fans and other guests of the event - Consumer promotions in the Los Angeles marketplace and on a national basis - Simulcast events in multiple markets throughout North America - Special merchandise designed for Championship Friday - First of its kind sponsor activation elements, broadcast and other media programs designed to support both the racing and charitable components In 2007, the Breeders' Cup crowned four female champions -- Indian Blessing (Indian Charlie) in the Juvenile Fillies, Maryfield (Elusive Quality) in the Filly & Mare Sprint, Lahudood (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) in the Filly & Mare Turf, and Ginger Punch (Awesome Again) in the Distaff. "The initial response from the Breeders' Cup family including ESPN, our marketing partners, nominators and trustees has been extremely supportive and enthusiastic," Breeders Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli said. "By shifting some of our traditional Saturday races to Friday, we ensure that Friday stands on its own as an international competition of the highest level. This new format provides a great stage to showcase the talents of the best female Thoroughbreds in the world." Breeders' Cup officials are in discussions with several prominent non-profit women's organizations and plan to select its partners in March. "Combining the best of filly racing with devoting a day to women's health is a great development which ESPN is proud to join," said Len DeLuca, ESPN senior vice president, programming and acquisition. "The Breeders' Cup keeps raising the bar in the presentation of world championship horse racing." The 2008 Breeders' Cup, with $25.5 million in total purses, is the 25th running of the event and will be televised live on ESPN networks, and in more than 120 countries. Over the past three years, the Breeders' Cup has experienced unprecedented growth, with total races expanding from eight to 14, and total purses increasing from $14 million to $25.5 million. The 2007 Breeders' Cup at Monmouth Park marked the first time that the event was conducted as a two-day format. It consisted of 11 races and $23 million in purses. In December, the event was again expanded, as three more races were added to the program -- the $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon. The Juvenile Fillies, Filly and Mare Turf and Distaff were all held on Breeders' Cup Saturday last year. The Juvenile Turf and the Dirt Mile, run on Breeders' Cup Friday last year, have been shifted to the Saturday program. 2008 Breeders' Cup Schedule of Races
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