On 2nd Thought ... Breeders' Cup Distaff Back

The Breeders' Cup announced Aug. 8 that as a part of this year's 30th running of the World Championships, the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I) will be returned to its original name, the Breeders' Cup Distaff.

The Breeders' Cup Distaff, the race's name from 1984 through 2007, will continue to be run as the final race of the five Breeders' Cup races scheduled Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park. The $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff for fillies and mares 3-years-old and older will be run at 1 1/8 miles.

"We restored the Ladies' Classic to its original name due to feedback from our loyal fans who have a strong affinity for the Distaff," said Breeders' Cup president Craig Fravel. "In recognition of our 30th year, the Distaff has provided us with some of racing's most remarkable moments, personified by such outstanding Thoroughbreds as Lady's Secret, Personal Ensign, Azeri, Zenyatta, and our two-time defending champion, Royal Delta. It is a fitting tribute to bring back the name Distaff to honor the rich history of the championships."

The 30th Breeders' Cup, Thoroughbred racing's most prestigious international year-end event consisting of 14 races and $27 million in purses and awards, will be held Nov. 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

Saturday's program will consist of nine Breeders' Cup races, culminating with the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), which will be shown live and in primetime on NBC.

Other anniversary events include:

NBC Sports Group will honor the 30th running with a special program this fall featuring the 30 greatest moments in Breeders' Cup history. This retrospective, which airs on the NBC Sports Network Oct. 19 (5:30-6:30 p.m. ET), captures the accomplishments of the horses and individuals who graced the Breeders' Cup with the greatest drama and excitement since the event's inception in 1984.

The program also will be available to the public on DVD for purchase at breederscup.com.

Breeders' Cup is planning a series of special promotions and contests for fans this fall leading to the championships. The top 30 moments also will be featured during Breeders' Cup special events and on the video boards at Santa Anita on the championship days.

Renowned California artist John Mattos has been commissioned to create special commemorative 30th Breeders' Cup artwork to be displayed on select official event merchandise, and on the track program covers for both days of the championships.

The Breeders' Cup will unveil on its website a special Hall of Champions section that pays homage to the 240 race winners throughout the event's history. This digital showcase will feature complete biographical profiles for each horse including lifetime records, video highlights, pedigree, and a career timeline.