The Donn Handicap (gr. I) and Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr. IT) have been moved to Sunday, Feb. 9 to help kick off The Jockey Club Tour on Fox television, Gulfstream Park announced.
Gulfstream made the announcement through a statement released Jan. 10.
The $500,000 Donn, won in the past by stars such as Invasor, Saint Liam, Graydar , Medaglia d'Oro , and Cigar (twice), and the $300,000 Turf, won by Point of Entry last year over 2011 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Animal Kingdom , were to be run originally on Saturday, Feb. 8.
"While we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, we believe this partnership with The Jockey Club and Fox Television gives Thoroughbred racing, Florida racing, horsemen, and Gulfstream Park added exposure," said Gulfstream Park president Tim Ritvo. "Kicking off The Jockey Club Tour on Fox with two grade I races that historically attract the finest Thoroughbreds in training is something we're proud of sharing with those throughout the world."
Gulfstream's program for Feb. 9 will now include the two grade I races as well as the Hurricane Bertie Stakes (gr. III). The $150,000 Suwannee River Stakes (gr. III) and the $150,000 Gulfstream Sprint Championship will still be contested on their original date of Feb. 8.
