Wed Jun 4 14:15:53 2008

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Purse for Stephen Foster Handicap increased

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Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - In an effort to have 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin run in the upcoming Stephen Foster Handicap, Churchill Downs will boost the purse from $750,000 to $1 million. The $250,000 increase is based on the requirement that at least one winner of a previous Grade I stakes event must compete in the race.

"There are many races matching the best older horses in North America to choose from at this time of year, and the supplement of these marketing fund monies to raise the purse of the Stephen Foster Handicap to $1 million is an effort to guarantee a top notch field that will take the status of this important race to an even higher level," said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs and Churchill Downs Incorporated executive vice president.

"Ideally we will see several Grade I winners compete, but the fact that even one Grade I winner and several other accomplished stars would be running for a record $1 million purse provides additional sizzle for a wonderful race and an outstanding day of Churchill Downs stakes competition."

Curlin is one of several top older thoroughbreds that have been nominated to the 1 1/8 mile Foster. They include 2003 Stephen Foster winner Perfect Drift, Pimlico Special and Pacific Classic winner Student Council, Donn Handicap champ Brass Hat, Lane's End Breeders Futurity winner Great Hunter and Woodford Reserve Turf Classic winner Einstein.

The Stephen Foster Handicap will be run on Saturday, June 14 with the entries drawn on Wednesday, June 11. The winning owner would receive $620,000 of the $1 million.