Shadwell Turf Mile attracts attention with the increase in purse from $600,000 to $750,000
The Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile, which is scheduled to take place on 6th October, 2012 at the Lexington track, will be attracting more runners this year, since the purse has been increased from $600,000 to $750,000.
This is one of three stakes at the Keeneland meet that will have a higher purse than 2011.
Rick Nichols, vice president and general manager of Shadwell Farm, was pleased with the increased purse as he commented:
"We are very excited, in partnership with Keeneland, to further enhance the status of the Shadwell Turf Mile, and to secure its position as one of the country’s most prestigious grass races."
With the increased purse, this race now joins the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes as the co-richest race to be run at Keeneland.
The Shadwell Turf which covers a distance of a mile is the highlight of the “Fallstars Weekend” which will commence on 5th October, 2012, and conclude on 27th October, 2012.
The rise in the purse was also appreciated by W. B. Rogers Beasley, Keeneland vice president of racing, who told the press that:
"The Shadwell Turf Mile is a centerpiece of FallStars Weekend, and this purse increase assures it will continue to attract the nation’s top turf horses."
For the past two years, this race is being dominated by, Gio Ponti, who claimed the victory in 2010 and 2011.
On 9th October, 2010, the son of Tale Of The Cat, was paired with Ramon Dominguez and completed the 1 mile race in 1 minute and 35.06 seconds, where he defeated, Society’s Chairman.
The following year, the charge of Christophe Clement was paired with Dominguez again and, completed the 1 mile course in 1 minute and 34.17 seconds, this time he defeated, Get Stormy.
The winner of this race will earn an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, since it is a “Win and You’re In” race.
Other than this, the Grade 3, $150,000 Bourbon Stakes, the Grade 3, $150,000 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine, the Grade 1, $400,000 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity are some of the races whose winners will qualify for the Breeders’ Cup held at Santa Anita in November,
2012.
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