Future of Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita set to be discussed at crucial meeting

The future of this year's Breeders' Cup is set to be discussed at a crucial meeting of the organisation's board of directors on Thursday amid intense scrutiny of equine welfare at host venue Santa Anita.

The fabled US track has endured a difficult racing season with 30 horses dying in training or races, leading to a temporary cessation of contests while the track was inspected and a raft of new rules from the course's owner the Stronach Group, including beefing up pre-race veterinary checks and alterations to whip use, were implemented.

Racing at Santa Anita concluded for the season on Sunday with no action until September 27. The Breeders' Cup is due to be run on November 1 and 2, but with the circuit in the crosshairs of animal rights groups and elements of the media, the possibility of switching the fixture to Churchill Downs in Kentucky is being considered.

However, the switch is thought to be unlikely at this stage due to significant operational challenges, as well as the potential for negative PR in moving away from a location under the spotlight.

The prestigious meeting should remain at its original home for the good of the sport and international competition, according to Simon Callaghan.

The trainer, who claimed more than $1 million in prize-money during the latest Santa Anita meeting, believes the surface is safe and it is a venue international competitors know and enjoy racing at as well.

"I've had no problems with it and I would love to see it stay here. I see no reason for it to move," he said on Wednesday. "It's quite a big thing to move it away from Santa Anita and I'm not sure there’s any need for it.

"A lot of foreign horses come over and want to compete here and know what it takes to perform here. I was speaking to Frankie Dettori just the other day and he was saying how much he's looking forward to coming out here for the Breeders' Cup."

When contacted by the Racing Post, a Breeders' Cup official said no statement would be made until after Thursday's meeting.

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