Jockey Championship Moves to October

The eighth Jockey Championship at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie will have a twist in 2004, as nine of the world's best jockeys will be invited to participate in the first International Jockey Championship on Thursday, Oct. 28--two days before the 21st running of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

"The move from the traditional June date and the inclusion of foreign riding greats will only add to the tremendous amount of excitement during Breeders' Cup week," said Lone Star Park President Corey Johnsen.

The nine jockeys will compete in three races each worth a minimum $50,000. An additional $70,000 in prize money--including the $11,000 first prize--will be up for grabs.

Jockeys chosen to compete by a panel will receive an invitation in early October. First preference will be given to jockeys who have won Breeders' Cup races.

In the three-race competition, jockeys will be awarded points for finishing first (12 points), second (6), third (4) and fourth (3) in each race. The mounts will be randomly drawn, but each jockey will ride a horse grouped into one of three categories--A, B and C. The top three horses in each race, according to Lone Star Park morning line oddsmaker Rick Lee, will be assigned to Group A, the next three to Group B and the next three to Group C.

The jockey with the most points at the end of the competition will be crowned the champion.

In conjunction with the event, a special Jockey Championship wager will be offered. Plus, there will be an autograph session with the participants prior to the start of the day's live racing action.

The International Jockey Championship is one of the major events comprising Lone Star Park's first Fall Breeders' Cup Meeting, which is scheduled to run from Oct. 1-31 each Thursday through Sunday. In addition to the International Jockey Championship, Breeders' Cup week will showcase the grade III, $250,000 Walmac Lone Star Derby and $150,000 Stonerside Stakes on Friday, Oct. 29. The 21st Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships is Saturday, Oct. 30.

Tickets applications to each of the aforementioned events are available at Lone Star Park, lonestarpark.com or by calling (972) 263-PONY or (800) 795-RACE.

Lone Star Park's traditional Spring Thoroughbred Season begins Thursday, April 15, and continues for 63 dates through July 11.