Del Mar takes big step to host Breeders' Cup

[algobbi]

They are in the most preliminary stage of the process, but the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has taken a big first step to host a Breeders’ Cup, the Super Bowl of horse racing held over two days every November.

Criaig Dado, DMTC’s vice president of marketing, confirmed that Del Mar was asked to complete and submit a “declaration of interest” by Feb. 1 if it wishes to host a future Breeders’ Cup. The event is set for Santa Anita this year in November, but future sites have not been picked. Dado said the earliest Del Mar could host the Breeders’ Cup would be 2015, but that’s providing a number of hurdles are cleared.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/...-breeders-cup/

[curtisw]

So is the Turf Sprint going to be run at 4 1/2 furlongs? If you widen the course you would have to shorten the course--it would seem. I've never really understood how the course is going to be sufficiently widened. Del Mar replaced Disneyland as my happiest place on Earth when I was about 12. I think everything is perfect for a Breeder's Cup there except for the track. Details, details...

[Psychotic Parakeet]

Oh brother...

[Defcon One]

They can make adjustments to host the BC at Del Mar, but can't do so to have it at the grande dame of American racing, Saratoga?

**** the Breeders Cup.

[TapitsGal]

a Breeders Cup at Del Mar....has that ever happened before?

[Ezariah]

No. Count me out if it does happen. It's beautiful there, but it's at it's limits on opening day and PC day. No way I'd want to be around there for a BC.

a Breeders Cup at Del Mar....has that ever happened before?

[Indychase]

No. Count me out if it does happen. It's beautiful there, but it's at it's limits on opening day and PC day. No way I'd want to be around there for a BC.

No kidding. Unless they change the access roads and parking. I was there when Cigar lost the PC and sat in the parking lot for 2 hours afterwards trying to get out. Was also stuck with a big stucco column in front of my seat, which is unusual for a racetrack grandstand.

[Thinair]

They can make adjustments to host the BC at Del Mar, but can't do so to have it at the grande dame of American racing, Saratoga?

Let's see....there's that silly weather issue. Ah, what's a 50 degrees difference anyway? There is also that issue where there are virtually no areas at Saratoga that are enclosed.

Saratoga is the greatest place on Earth.....in the Summer. While it is possible the weather could be bearable, low 50s maybe, it's unlikely.....and not a viable risk.

[Dusty]

What are they smoking? SEATS, Parking, access...a lot more than renovating the Turf course would be required! The place is wall to wall on opening day and Pac Classic..not fun and the food access.... Yikes....

[GinTalking]

Let's see....there's that silly weather issue. Ah, what's a 50 degrees difference anyway? There is also that issue where there are virtually no areas at Saratoga that are enclosed.

Saratoga is the greatest place on Earth.....in the Summer. While it is possible the weather could be bearable, low 50s maybe, it's unlikely.....and not a viable risk.

Yeah, nothing like a nice open air grandstand in upstate New York at the end of October or early November. Yippee. I'll bet those open stalls are fun at that time of year too. Or maybe they are. Who knows. But what on earth would you do if it pours and there's nowhere other than the mucky backyard to sit if the weather is bad.

How many seats are in that grandstand anyway?