Breeders' Cup 2000 Foal Nominations Set Record

Breeders' Cup had a record number of foal nominations and revenue from them in 2000, officials announced Wednesday.

In all, 15,760 foals were nominated to the Breeders' Cup program in 2000. In 1999, the previous high of 15,191 was recorded. Total revenue generated by the 2000 crop was $7.88 million.

The 15,760 foals by Breeders' Cup-, European Breeders' Fund-, and Common Fund-nominated stallions represent a 3.7% increase over 1999, and a 49.5% increase since 1995. It also marks the eighth consecutive year that the number of foals nominated has increased from the previous year.

Of the total, 1,030 foals were sired by European Breeders' Fund and Common Fund stallions.

"This positive, steady trend not only confirms the continued growth of the Breeders' Cup, but is indicative of the breeding industry's support for Breeders' Cup and (National Thoroughbred Racing Association) programs, and a keen awareness of their importance," Breeders' Cup president D.G. Van Clief Jr. said.

The revenue from foal nominations funds the Breeders' Cup championship day, the National Stakes Program, and marketing and television initiatives.