Decline in Euro horses at the BC

[brockguy]

nice article in the racingpost today.. On a personal level, Im not as enthusiastic about this years renewals as some in the past but that is possibly down to me not going for the first time in a few years..
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THE expense of taking a horse to the Breeders' Cup, the attraction of alternatives in Hong Kong, Japan and Dubai - and the feeling that a warmer welcome could be extended to connections - were put forward on Tuesday as reasons for the low European turnout at Monmouth Park.

A maximum 12 European-trained runners are set to contest the Breeders' Cup races this weekend, the lowest number for a decade, and the third consecutive year-on-year reduction.

Travel expenses to other international races are subsidised for connections of European-based horses, but the Breeders' Cup remains a relatively costly excursion.

Of Andre Fabre's 39 representatives at the Breeders' Cup, only nine have been since 2000. Fabre said: "Today it is fun to go to Dubai, while the fact that the expenses are paid is a big incentive. The reputation of these races is also increasing."

Clive Brittain, who sent Pebbles to land the 1985 Breeders' Cup Turf, has saddled eight runners at the event, but none since Crimplene finished fourth in the 2000 Distaff.

He said: "The major factor is that there is quite a big cost to go over to the Breeders' Cup and, with the Japan Cup and Hong Kong invitationals coming up, there is a temptation to go there instead.

"These are similar opportunities as prestigious as the Breeders' Cup, but they cost far less money. The World Cup in Dubai has also become a major factor, especially with the expenses being covered."

Arlington Million and Hong Kong Vase-winning trainer John Hammondagreed that other options are becoming financially more appealing.

He said: "Ultimately, the Breeders' Cup is relatively expensive compared to other international races.

"Last season we had a filly who was second in the Turf Classic at Belmont Park, and she then ran in Japan instead of at the Breeders' Cup.

"While the Breeders' Cup remains prestigious, European runners are often keener to head elsewhere."

Qualifying races, in the shape of the recently introduced 'win and you're in' series forthe self-styled World Thoroughbred Championships, are all staged in the US, and Fabre believes introducing such qualifiers in Europe - an idea which has been discussed by Breeders' Cup officials - would be beneficial. "If they brought the qualifying series over to Europe, it should help attract European runners to the Breeders' Cup," he said.

Owners have also expressed disapproval that they do not even get their entry to the racecourse paid for.

However, with prize-money for this weekend's 11 races totalling $23 million, Fabre was keen to point out that the Breeders' Cup remains one of the highlights of the racing year.

"It is always attractive to go over to America," said the four-time Breeders' Cup-winning trainer. "The prize-moneyand prestige are both very good, while the other races in America no longer offer such good prizes."

Breeders' Cup nomination options

1. As foal, as long as sire is by fully nominated Breeders' Cup, EBF or Breeders' Cup/EBF Common Fund stallion, in year of birth in August ('early') and October ('standard') for $500, or December ('late') for $1,500

2. At any time in career by payment of $150,000 if by nominated sire or $250,000 by non-nominated sire

3. At race pre-entry stage for supplementary fee of 9 per cent of race purse if by nominated stallion, or 15 per cent of purse if by non-nominated stallion


Europe at the Breeders' Cup

Year and venue: number of runners (winners)
2006 Churchill: 18 (2)
2005 Belmont: 20 (1)
2004 Lone Star: 13 (2)
2003 Santa Anita 14 (3,including dead-heat))
2002 Arlington 17 (2)
2001 Belmont 18 (3)
2000 Churchill 20 (1)
1999 Gulfstream 18 (1)
1998 Churchill 15 (0)
1997 Hollywood 9 (1)
1996 Woodbine 13 (1)
1995 Belmont 15 (1)
1994 Churchill 26 (2)
1993 Santa Anita 19 (1)
1992 Gulfstream 22 (0)
1991 Churchill 21 (3)
1990 Belmont 13 (2)
1989 Gulfstream 11 (0)
1988 Churchill 12 (1)
1987 Hollywood 13 (1)
1986 Santa Anita 12 (1)
1985 Aqueduct 18 (1)
1984 Hollywood 11 (1)