Arnold Schwarzenegger to Present Breeders' Cup Trophy

For the first time in Breeders' Cup history, the governor of California will present the trophy to the winner of the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic, the ninth race out of 14 races in total. That means horse racing fans and Breeders' Cup bettors can expect to see "The Terminator" himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, Oct. 25.

"We are extremely pleased that Gov. Schwarzenegger has chosen to attend and present the trophy for the biggest race in North America," said Sherwood Chillingworth, Oak Tree Director and executive vice president.

This is the fourth time that the Breeders' Cup World Championships have been hosted by the Oak Tree Racing Association, but with a celebrity and a politician like Arnie on hand this weekend's horse racing event will surely make the history books.

"I think the governor recognizes the importance of the thoroughbred industry here in California, and his presence on Oct. 25 does, indeed, lend a great deal of prestige to the event," Chillingworth added.

Bet on the Breeders' Cup online!

Renewal of TVG’s Sponsorship of Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup and Television Games Network announced a renewal of TVG’s sponsorship of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. For this year’s event, the horse racing network and premier account wagering company will be the title sponsor of the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

In addition to the race sponsorship, the agreement also includes the following:

TVG will produce the Breeders’ Cup Simulcast Show, a live broadcast of the two-day Championships, which is distributed to more than 2000 off track and simulcast wagering outlets worldwide.
TVG will produce “The Works” program, a week-long series covering morning workouts of the Breeders’ Cup contenders at racetrack across the country.
TVG will provide continuous coverage of late breaking news and events taking place before and during the event at Santa Anita.

2008 Breeders' Cup Schedule

The 25th Breeders Cup will be held on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 at the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. There are 3 new races, increasing the event to a record 14 races and raising total purses to an all-time high of $25.5 million.

Here are the schedule of all 14 races.
October 24-25, 2008
Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park

Oct 24 ESPN2   3:35 PM   Filly & Mare Sprint  
Oct 24 ESPN2   4:15 PM   Juvenile Fillies Turf  
Oct 24 ESPN2   4:55 PM   Juvenile Fillies  
Oct 24 ESPN2   5:35 PM   Filly & Mare Turf
Oct 24 ESPN2   6:15 PM   Ladies' Classic 
Oct 25 ABC     1:10 PM   Marathon  
Oct 25 ABC     1:50 PM   Turf Sprint  
Oct 25 ESPN    2:30 PM   Dirt Mile  
Oct 25 ABC     3:15 PM   Mile 
Oct 25 ABC     3:55 PM   Juvenile 
Oct 25 ESPN    4:35 PM   Juvenile Turf 
Oct 25 ESPN    5:15 PM   Sprint 
Oct 25 ESPN    6:00 PM   Turf 
Oct 25 ESPN    6:45 PM   Classic

Ban of Steroids in Racehorses

The Maryland Horse Racing Commission has voted unanimously to ban anabolic steroids for racehorses following the lead of other horse racing states including Kentucky, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The restrictions adopted by the commission today follow the recommendations of the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium.

The ban covers four anabolic steroids, including stanozolol, which has been front and center in the steroid talk this year.The ban was approved on an emergency basis so it can be applied by January 1, 2009. A panel of state lawmakers now must give final approval on the ban.

"These particular compounds have gone unchecked for a number of years," the Associated Press quoted Michael Hopkins, executive director of the commission, as saying. "The control of them is very good for the industry."

According to the Associated Press, Hopkins has said that the commission has not yet decided on penalties for trainers caught violating the ban, but will do so before it takes effect.

Big Brown Gets Big Win at Haskell

Going into this afternoon's 13th race at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, Big Brown was the 1-2 morning-line favorite. Prior to the big race, trainer Rick Dutrow wasn't making any promises but he did say that he felt the horse looked good and was ready to win. Well, Big Brown delivered big time on that win by taking the $1 Million Haskell Invitational ahead of Coal Play and Cool Coal Man.

Big Brown's winning time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:48 1/5.

Is the Breeders' Cup next for Big Brown? You can bet on it!

Kent Desormeaux to Ride Big Brown on Sunday

All things considered, jockey Kent Desormeaux should have a great ride this Sunday when the gates fly open at the $1 Million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Then again, there is still some uncertainty as to why the celebrated jockey pulled up on the horse at the Belmont Stakes and finished in last place. No matter, it seems owner Michael Iavarone and trainer Rick Dutrow are letting bygones be bygones as Desormeaux was given the thumbs up to ride the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner on Sunday. By all accounts, Big Brown is in great shape and looks every bit the odds on favorite to win.

"We're eagerly anticipating this race," Iavarone said. "If it's possible, he's training better than he did before he won the Kentucky Derby."

Dutrow is also pleased as punch with Big Brown's performance as of late and likes the way his horse looks, too.

"He looks amazing," Dutrow said. "He's shiny, he's happy. He looks as good as he always has."

Here's the complete field of seven for Sunday's Haskell Invitational: Magical Forest, Jorge Chavez 10-1; Cool Coal Man, Eddie Castro 4-1; Alaazo, Jose Lezcano 30-1; Big Brown, Kent Desormeaux 1-2; Nistles Crunch, Elvis Trujillo 15-1; Coal Play, Joe Bravo 8-1 and Atoned, Edgar Prado 6-1

You can watch Big Brown race on Sunday as it will be shown live on ESPN Classic and ESPN News beginning at 6 p.m. (EST). And you can bet on Big Brown to win the Haskell. While you're at it, check out the latest info on the 2008 Breeders' Cup.

Tiger Woods Out for the Season

Tiger Woods is calling it quits. According to his website, Woods is saying he is undergoing reconstructive knee surgery and won't be back until the start of the 2009 PGA Tour. (Photo: ACL reconstructive surgery)

"I know much was made of my knee throughout the last week, and it was important to me that I disclose my condition publicly at an appropriate time. I wanted to be very respectful of the USGA and their incredibly hard work, and make sure the focus was on the U.S. Open," said Woods. "Now, it is clear that the right thing to do is to listen to my doctors, follow through with this surgery, and focus my attention on rehabilitating my knee."

On Monday afternoon in sunny San Diego, Woods won his 65th PGA Tour victory with a win over Rocco Mediate at the 2008 US Open. Grimacing from hole to hole, it was obvious Woods was in some amount of pain. Although a date has not yet been set for the surgery, Woods assures his fans he will be dedicated to rehabilitating his knee so that he can make a full recovery and return to the golf scene as soon as possible.

"I was determined though, to do everything and anything in my power to play in the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, which is a course that is close to where I grew up and holds many special memories for me," Woods writes on his website. "Although I will miss the rest of the 2008 season, I'm thrilled with the fact that last week was such a special tournament."

For everyone else competing at the PGA level, the season is still very strong. Get all your PGA golf betting here.