Like all of racing we are profoundly saddened by the loss of a life at any racetrack and we are heartbroken for those whose livelihoods are dedicated to the care of our horses. As an organization, the Breeders’ Cup stands for the highest levels of safety and integrity. We support the effort by The Stronach Group to propose important changes and we commit to working with the racing industry in California and elsewhere to achieve meaningful reform on a national basis.

“Battle of Midway was a gifted and extremely accomplished racehorse. We extend our deepest sympathies to Don Alberto Stable and WinStar Farm, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and all those who took care of Battle of Midway during his brilliant racing career.”

Shigeo Takeda’s 5-year-old homebred Inti (JPN), the 2.6-1 favorite under jockey Yutaka Take, controlled the pace throughout Sunday’s 36th running of the one-mile, $1,879,000 February Stakes (G1) on dirt at Tokyo Racecourse, winning by a neck over second choice Gold Dream (JPN), and secured the first automatic berth into this year’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) through the international Breeders’ Cup Challenge.

Led by former champions Gold Dream (JPN), Nonkono Yume (JPN), and Moanin, and the speedy Inti (JPN) 14 horses have been entered for Sunday’s 36th running of the one mile, $870,000 February Stakes (G1) on dirt at Tokyo Racecourse, the first automatic qualifier for this year’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) to be awarded through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series.

Dora Delgado, Drew Fleming and Justin McDonald Promoted

Breeders’ Cup Limited announced today that Bryan Pettigrew is stepping down from his position as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sponsorship to pursue other interests.