Gulfstream Park to hold Claiming Crown for the first time on opening day
An even co-founded by the Thoroughbred Owners And Breeders Association and Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, the Claiming Crown this time comes to Gulfstream Park, as the season opener for the South Florida circuit on 1 December, 2012.
The Claiming Crown is a seven race series, and has reeled in a total of 97 horses, which in its own shows the enthusiasm of the local horsemen, who will be vying for their share of a total purse worth $850,000.
“We're ecstatic to play host to the 14th running of the Claiming Crown on our opening day," Gulfstream President Tim Ritvo remarked as the track embarks on a 90-day meet. "Horses competing in the claiming ranks are many of the toughest in the world. They're
game and they build loyal followings within the Thoroughbred community, whether with fans, owners or trainers. I think this is a great opportunity for Gulfstream to help showcase these Thoroughbreds. It's also a great way to kick off what we believe will be
a memorable winter meeting."
The Claiming Crown has been held at different venues since its inception in 1999, but it has always called Canterbury Park its home. The purpose behind holding this event is to reward the “blue collar workers” in racing.
This will be the first time that the event will be held at Gulfstream Park, and for third year running, the Claiming Crown will have a different venue, as last year Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots was the venue, and the year before it was Canterbury Park
which held it in the 2008-10 seasons.
In the past, low profile tracks like Philadelphia Park, Parx Racing and Ellis Park have held the event, but in the category of high profile tracks, Gulfstream Park is the first one to have the honour of holding the event.
The Claiming Crown will have all the popularity and the spot light it deserves at Gulfstream Park, and to kick off on the opening day of the venue’s meet will take the event to the next level, especially when trainers from South Florida, the Eastern trainers,
and New-York based horsemen head to the circuit during the winters.
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