The Breeders’ Cup reports more than 4,300 foals have been nominated to the program during the online early nomination period, for which nominators receive a $100 discount off the $500 fee. The discount applies to all foals nominated electronically or "on-line" to the Breeders’ Cup program for the 2010 foal crop if made on or before the deadline of midnight (EDT) Aug. 1.
Last year, there had been 3,810 foal nominations by July 24 when the early online discount was first introduced.
The Breeders’ Cup board of directors approved the discounted nomination program as a way to "stimulate nominator participation during the challenging economic environment and to encourage greater use of the Web to increase efficiency and reduce costs," the Breeders’ Cup release said.
"Nominators have again responded enthusiastically by taking advantage of our stimulus program and 20% reduction for on-line users," said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli. "We very much appreciate their loyal support and encourage all to take advantage of the discount this week."
In addition to the discount, early nomination insures the Breeders’ Cup nomination is included on the catalog page for weanlings entered into November sales, the organization said.
All foals sired by a fully-nominated Breeders’ Cup stallion, European Breeders’ Fund stallion, or BCL/EBF Common Fund stallion are eligible for nomination to the Breeders’ Cup program in their year of birth. The standard $500 foal nomination, for those choosing not to nominate online, will remain in effect, with a deadline of midnight (ET), Oct. 15. Late foal nominations may be made until midnight (ET), Dec.15 of the year of birth by payment of a one-time $1,500 nomination fee.
A Breeders’ Cup-nominated foal is eligible to participate and earn full purses in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships races and in any Breeders’ Cup funded race program for its entire racing career without any further nomination payments due.