Move to Accommodate Horsemen Attending Breeders’ Cup

(Keeneland Association release)

Lexington, Ky. – Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton have jointly announced changes to their November sales schedules to better accommodate horsemen attending the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita, to be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7.

Because of the scheduling adjustments, Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale will begin Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10:00 a.m. and run through Sunday, Nov. 22.  Fasig-Tipton will conduct its Selected Mixed Sale on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 5:00 p.m.

“Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton stand as an example of industry cooperation,” said Breeders’ Cup Limited President & CEO Greg Avioli.  “Breeders’ Cup appreciates their willingness to take this step for the good of the industry.”

Mark Taylor, President/Chairman of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association, echoed Avioli’s sentiment.  “We applaud the decision of both Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton and their efforts to further enhance the sales and racing experience for our buyers.”

The 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, one of racing’s most prestigious events, annually attracts the best horses from North America and Europe.  It is the richest prize-money event in sports, consisting of 14 races and purses totaling $25.5 million.

Keeneland President & CEO Nick Nicholson and Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning said in a joint statement:  “We felt this was the right thing to do given the significance of the Breeders’ Cup.  By adjusting our sales schedules, we will enable horsemen attending the Breeders’ Cup to fully participate in the November sales schedule.”