Decline in Euro horses at the BC

[NoChanceToDance]

Do i dare say that the BC isn't good enough anymore?

[cmorioles]

Consider, also, that $1 right now is worth less then 50 pence in England, and less the 70 eurocents on the rest of the continent. The value just isn't there right now.

The weak dollar probably plays into this but Monmouth is probably the major factor. The Monmouth turf course is not exactly a "European" style course like a Belmont.

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Consider, also, that $1 right now is worth less then 50 pence in England, and less the 70 eurocents on the rest of the continent. The value just isn't there right now.

I think this is a big thing. The dollar has been so weak for a very long time now. Add that to the transport costs, and the euros aren't collecting much at all.

If you do to Dubai and run in two weaker races for a lot of prize money, you get the expenses paid for you.

The Americans will seriously need to consider contributing to foreign travellers, because i fear the number of 'euro' runners will continue to fall over the next few years.

[ArlJim78]

i don't think the BC is effected enormously if the euro total is 12-13 vs 17-18.
the dollar has fallen steadily which I think explains most of it.

[saratogabrit]

Of course you might have expected it to be higher than normal because a 4th turf race has been added and when comparing it to BCs earlier than 1999 there were only 2 races.

The rise of Hong Kong on the calendar is a a contributing factor added to the fact that I believe that when both the Classic and the Turf were part of the World Series-all the travelling expenses etc for horses in those races were paid for.

The biggest dissapointment is that racefans both North American and European have been robbed of the chance of seeing Manduro in his only North American start.

[NoChanceToDance]

Originally Posted by saratogabrit

Of course you might have expected it to be higher than normal because a 4th turf race has been added and when comparing it to BCs earlier than 1999 there were only 2 races.

The rise of Hong Kong on the calendar is a a contributing factor added to the fact that I believe that when both the Classic and the Turf were part of the World Series-all the travelling expenses etc for horses in those races were paid for.

The biggest dissapointment is that racefans both North American and European have been robbed of the chance of seeing Manduro in his only North American start.

Couldn't agree more. He really was a superstar. For a horse to be temendous at all trips from a mile to twevle furlongs is just outstanding.

A great shame we couldn't see him at the Arc or the Breeders Cup

[King Glorious]

Not only are the Dubai, Hong Kong and Japan races better options but so is the Canadian International. The winner of that race last weekend earned just over $1.2 million. It's run on a course that's more suited to the European style of running and I think I read somewhere that expenses are paid for that race too.