Breeders' Cup Challenge expands

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The second year of the Breeders' Cup Challenge will see the series of races involved more than double. The Breeders' Cup Challenge, better known as "Win and You're In", is a series of thoroughbred races where the winner of each race automatically gains entry into the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Last year there were 24 races in the Challenge, this year there will be at least 49 races. The major addition is Woodbine Racetrack in Canada which will have six designated races.

"Following last year's successful launch of the Breeders' Cup Challenge, there was a great deal of interest from tracks around the country and internationally to be a part of this years series, and that interest led to the expansion of the Challenge," said Greg Avioli, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup. "The creation of the Breeders' Cup Challenge has served as a powerful link between America's greatest races to the Breeders' Cup and has created an increased level of awareness for the horses competing in the World Championships."

This year's Breeders' Cup will be held at Santa Anita Park during the Oak Tree meet. The two-day event will have a total of 14 races, six on Friday, October 24 and eight races the following day. The Breeders' Cup World Championship is now worth $25.5 million.

Along with Woodbine the other tracks that have been added to the series are Emerald Downs in Washington, Suffolk Downs in Boston, Delaware Park in Delaware, Calder Race Course near Miami and Monmouth Park in New Jersey.