Breeders’ Cup Limited and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association
announced Tuesday that total purses for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships
have been raised to $20 million, an increase of $6 million from 2005.
Purses will be increased in seven of the eight Breeders’ Cup races:
— Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) will receive an increase of $1 million
to $2 million
— Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) will receive an increase of $500,000 to $2
million
— Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) will receive an increase of $1
million to $2 million
— Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) will receive an increase of $1 million to $2
million
— Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) will receive an increase of $500,000 to $2 million
— Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) will remain the same at $2 million
— Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) will receive an increase of $1 million to $2
million
— Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) will receive an increase of $1 million to $5
million
The Breeders’ Cup Classic, North America’s richest race and often a
determining factor in Horse of the Year honors, was contested for $3 million
from 1984-1995 and for $4 million from 1996-2005.
Also new for 2006 will be a reduction in Breeders’ Cup World Championships
race entry fees. Entry fees for all Breeders’ Cup-nominated horses have been
reduced from 3 percent to 2.5 percent of the total purse. Moreover, supplemental
fees for horses whose sires were not nominated to the Breeders’ Cup have been
reduced from 20 percent to 15 percent of the purse.
In addition, Foal and Stallion nominator awards will be distributed to horses
running fourth and fifth in a Breeders’ Cup race.
The 2006 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at Churchill Downs on
November 4.