Curlin Confirmed for Jockey Club Gold Cup
After his magnificent victory at the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes, which was held at the Saratoga Racecourse on 30 August 2008, everyone was waiting anxiously to find out where Curlin was going to make his next start. The 2007 Horse of the Year has always received the support of thousands of fans in New York State and has enjoyed successes at their racecourses. For these two reasons, it has been decided that Curlin will start in the 2008 Jockey Club Gold Cup, and there is a lot riding on this anticipated performance.
The $750 000 Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup will be held on 27 September 2008 at the Belmont Park Racecourse for its 90th year. It is viewed as one of the most prestigious racing events on the horse racing calendar, and it is also an event that was won by Curlin last year. If Curlin is to win the 2008 Jockey Club Gold Cup, he will firstly and fore mostly find himself amongst previous champions that have managed to be victorious at the Jockey Club Gold Cup two years in a row or more. Those horses include the likes of Skip Away, who won in 1996 and 1997, Kelso (1960 to 1964) and Nashua (1955 and 1956). Other legendary horses that found victory at this event include Citation, War Admiral, Affirmed, Cigar, Forego, John Henry and Funny Cide.
Another historical event that would take place, should Curlin succeed, is that he would officially become the highest earning racehorse. With receiving $450 000 from the purse money, his career earnings will be increased to $10 246 800, making him the number one earner. His current career earnings are on $9 796 800, which is $203 015 less than the current record holder, Cigar, with earnings of $9 999 815.
Jess Jackson, majority owner of Curlin, had this to say about the decision to start Curlin in the Jockey Club Gold Cup: “We are steering Curlin towards all the renowned competitions and certainly the Jockey Club Gold Cup is one of America’s most prestigious races.” He also commented that choosing a race where he can run comfortably, continue his legacy and perform for his loyal fans, all played a part in confirming Curlin for the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
