Curlin's next start at Belmont Park

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - Leading thoroughbred Curlin will make his next start in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup on Saturday, September 27 at Belmont Park. Majority owner Jess Jackson made the announcement Thursday morning.

"The Jockey Club Gold Cup was selected for Curlin in order to continue his legacy as one of America's greatest thoroughbreds," said Jackson. "We are steering Curlin towards all the renowned competitions and certainly the Jockey Club Gold Cup is one of America's most prestigious races."

Voted the 2007 Horse of the Year, Curlin is a little more than $200,000 from becoming North America's all-time career money winner. The four-year-old colt has earned $9,796,800 with 10 wins in 14 lifetime starts. The legendary Cigar is first with $9,999,815. The 1 1/4 mile Jockey Club Gold Cup will be worth $450,000.

"In the past, many of America's top thoroughbreds sealed their honors by competing in this race," Jackson continued. "Also, this contest is in New York state where Curlin has seen much success and received an outpouring of support. Both factors weighed heavily in favor of our decision to compete again at Belmont."

Curlin captured the $500,000 Woodward Stakes last Saturday at Saratoga after venturing on the turf to finish second in the Man o'War at Belmont Park. Earlier this year he won the $6 million Dubai World Cup and the $750,000 Stephen Foster Handicap.

As a three-year-old Curlin won the Arkansas Derby, Preakness Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup and Breeders' Cup Classic.