Breeders' Cup Leaning Toward Permanent Host?
By Tom LaMarra
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...ost?source=rss
Updated: Wednesday, March 3, 2010 10:11 AM
Posted: Wednesday, March 3, 2010 9:49 AM
Breeders’ Cup board member Satish Sanan indicated March 2 the organization is leaning toward selecting a permanent host site for the World Championships, and also discussed ongoing efforts that could lead to an industry-owned advance deposit wagering system. Sanan made his comments on “At the Races With Steve Byk,” a horse racing program on SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio. Sanan, also a Thoroughbred owner/breeder, discusses industry issues every Tuesday on the program.
Sanan said Breeders’ Cup representatives planned to meet March 3 to discuss the host-site plan and could make a decision soon. In response to a caller who asked if a decision had been made, Sanan said: “It’s not ratified yet.” Sanan said Santa Anita Park in Southern California meets the criteria of major media market, ability to accommodate crowds, good weather, and generating revenue through attendance and pari-mutuel handle. The only area in which it falls short is its racing surface, currently synthetic.
Sanan said he believes Santa Anita will replace its synthetic surface with dirt. He admitted he’s “not a fan of synthetic surfaces,” but said a host-site decision shouldn’t be based on “dirt versus synthetic.”