Santa Anita to host 2008 Breeders' Cup

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Breeders' Cup Limited has announced that the 2008 renewal of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships will take at Santa Anita Park during its Oak Tree meet. The 2008 Breeders' Cup will be the fourth time the event will be conducted at Santa Anita.

"Breeders' Cup and Oak Tree have made a great team, setting records in each of the three years Oak Tree has hosted Breeders' Cup Day," said Sherwood Chillingworth, executive vice president, Oak Tree Racing Association. "Therefore, we are looking forward to joining again in the presentation of the 25th renewal, October 24th and 25th of 2008. We are again aiming at breaking the on-track wagering record in 2008."

Santa Anita will be installing an all-weather racing surface during the summer. The 2008 Breeders' Cup will run for the first time on a synthetic track. This year's Breeders' Cup at Monmouth Park will be contested on a traditional dirt surface.

"This will be a groundbreaking Breeders' Cup," Chillingworth added. "It will be the first to be run on a synthetic surface and the second time it will be a two-day event. Add in the natural beauty of Santa Anita, the outstanding Southern California weather and the new stakes program to be run on Friday. We expect this to be a Breeders' Cup weekend to remember."

Also on Thursday, the board of directors of the Breeders' Cup Limited removed the interim from Gregory Avioli's title as the group's President and Chief Executive Officer. Avioli became the interim President and CEO in June of last year.

"Since his appointment last June, Greg has done an excellent job running our operation and positioning the Breeders' Cup for growth. He has the overwhelming support of the Board," said Breeders’ Cup Chairman Bill Farish. "The Board shares his vision for the future development of the Breeders' Cup World Championships and the Breeders' Cup brand. We are pleased to announce his appointment effective immediately."

The most noticeable change to the Breeders' Cup since June has been the addition of three new races. These races have expanded the World Thoroughbred Championships from a one day affair to two days.