Breeders' Cup to return to Churchill Downs in 2011

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Churchill Downs has again been selected as host of the Breeders' Cup for 2011.

The legendary home of the Kentucky Derby will also host this year's Breeders' Cup from November 5-6, and in 2011 will become the second venue to welcome thoroughbred racing's world championships in consecutive years. Santa Anita hosted the event in 2008 and 2009.

"The prospect of consecutive years at Churchill Downs combined with Kentucky's strong business climate and legislative incentives are sure to make the event a tremendous success for the Breeders' Cup, greater Louisville and the state," said Breeders' Cup chairman William S. Farish Jr. "Churchill Downs continues to be one of the world's greatest racing facilities, and is extremely popular with our horsemen and fans."

It will also mark Churchill's eighth time as Breeders' Cup host. The 2011 card will be conducted November 4-5.

"Nearly a half-million fans from around the world have witnessed some of racing's most dramatic moments during the record six previous visits by the Breeders' Cup to our historic track," said Robert Evans, president and CEO of Churchill Downs. "From its first stop in 1988, the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs has been one of our industry's greatest celebrations and its return in 2011 provides another wonderful economic development opportunity for our city, state and region. We are pleased to welcome the two-day Breeders' Cup championship in 2011 to complete its first back-to-back visits to Churchill Downs and our city."

Churchill Downs previously hosted the Breeders' Cup in 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000 and 2006.