Churchill Downs has announced a 2011 fall meet stakes schedule similar that of last year, with the $500,000 Clark Handicap (gr. I) and two “Stars of Tomorrow” programs the headliners.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships also returns this year Nov. 4-5 during the 21-day meet that runs from Oct. 30-Nov. 27.
Non-Breeders’ Cup stakes purses will total $2.12 million. The purse for the Falls City Handicap (gr. II) has been increased $25,000 to $175,000, officials said.
The meet’s opening-day program of all 2-year-old racing will feature two stakes: the $150,000 Pocahontas (gr. II) and $100,000 Iroquois (gr. III). The Nov. 26 Stars of Tomorrow card also will offer two stakes: the Kentucky Jockey Club and Golden Rod (both gr. II).
The Clark, a 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up, will return in its traditional day-after-Thanksgiving spot Nov. 25.
Four stakes will supplement the World Championships programs as they did last year. The $100,000 Ack Ack Handicap (gr. III) and $85,000 Jimmy V Stakes will be run Nov. 4, while the $150,000 Chilukki Stakes (gr. II) and $85,000 Dream Supreme Stakes are set for Nov. 5.