Breeders' Cup President & CEO Craig Fravel said that his organization is "still committed to holding its world championships" at Santa Anita Park in November, but acknowledged that he was "evaluating contingency plans" as the track deals with horse safety issues, according to Tim Sullivan of the Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL. Santa Anita has "become an unflattering focal point for an industry confronting cultural change and animal welfare activists," after having "lost 23 horses to fatal injuries" at the track since Dec. 26. Racing execs now "fear another fatal mishap ... could force the track to shut down indefinitely." Del Mar Thoroughbred Club President & CEO Joe Harper said, "The drumbeat is very loud. But I do think they will end up with the Breeders' Cup there. These things have to run their course." Sullivan noted the "need to nail down details grows increasingly pronounced" with the Breeders' Cup now "less than seven months away." Churchill Downs Senior Dir of Communications & Media Services Darren Rogers said the track "could host on short notice" if needed. Fravel said that such decisions "ultimately rest" with the Breeders' Cup BOD (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 4/6).
