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Originally Posted by DaHoss9698
I honestly don't remember and am too lazy to look it up. But, I think the whole NYRA thing was in full swing when the decision was made, which took them out of the equation. They really can't run it at Gulfstream anymore, which basically leaves California and Churchill. I'm not sure why Churchill didn't get it. Maybe something to do with the horseman dispute?
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Originally, Churchill's negotiations with the BC centered around a plan that would have the Downs host the Cup 5 out of 7 years. That's what CDI wanted, and voiced lack of sufficient justifiable revenue from single Cup visits as the reason they wanted a multi-year deal. That posture earned them a rebuke from Kentucky State and Louisville City officials for CDI's obvious lack of concern for the economic impact Cup visits have on the Commonwealth. (And don't forget, CDI has been receiving tax breaks from the City of Louisville based on Cup hosting regularity..)
The change of heart from Churchill about hosting a Cup isn't the negative here to my thinking... What is far more disturbing is the BCL's total lack of integrity. They come off in this as stunning hypocrites. Their word as an organization has effectively been rendered meaningless. It will not be a surprise when this incident is later pointed to as the beginning of the end of the Breeders' Cup as an important event.
Though Charlie Hayward didn't commit to it entirely Monday on ATR, if you listen carefully you can hear the underpinnings of the Belmont Fall Championships being restored to their rightful place in the game.