Four defending winners are among 294 nominations to the 19th running of the $1.11-million Claiming Crown set for Saturday, Dec. 2, opening day of Gulfstream Park's 2017-18 Championship Meet.
This year marks the sixth consecutive year Gulfstream Park will serve as host to the nine-race Claiming Crown, created in 1999 by the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to reward and pay tribute to horses and horsemen that provide the foundation for day-to-day racing programs at racetracks throughout the country.
“We're thrilled to be kicking off our Championship Meet once again with the Claiming Crown,” said Gulfstream's General Manager Bill Badgett. “We're happy with the increase in nominations and grateful for the support from horsemen throughout North America. Our partnership with the National and Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Associations and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association continues to grow, as does interest in the race from the betting public. We're looking forward to the kickoff of our Championship Meet with the Claiming Crown.”
Total handle for the Claiming Crown has topped $10 million each of the past three years topped by a record $11.1 million in 2016, when the event attracted a total of 281 nominations.
“The National HBPA once again looks forward to the Claiming Crown being held at Gulfstream Park with our partners from TOBA. This event continues to gain momentum as a premier day in Thoroughbred racing,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National HBPA.
Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, added, “The Claiming Crown's position on the racing calendar has been solidified as a 'can't miss' event by horsemen from across the country and with the expected large and competitive fields, this year's races promise to deliver an exciting day of racing for our entire sport.”
The richest event on the Claiming Crown program is the $200,000 Jewel at 1 1/8 miles for 3-year-olds and up which have started for a claiming price of $35,000 or less since Jan. 1, 2016.
Nomination lists and past performances are available at www.claimingcrown.com.
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