2002 Cal-bred News

Race Locations, Conditions
Set for Sunshine Millions

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2002) -- Race locations and conditions have been announced for the inaugural $3.6 million Sunshine Millions, the unique series of races for California- and Florida-bred thoroughbreds to be held Jan. 25 at Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park.

Horsemen's information booklets are available at the Santa Anita racing office and the CTBA Office.

Santa Anita will host the $750,000 race for fillies and mares 4 years and up at 1 1/16 miles, the $500,000 race for 4 years and up at 1 1/8 miles on turf, the $250,000 race for 4 years and up at six furlongs, and the $250,000 race for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs.

Gulfstream Park will host the $1 million race for 4 years and up at 1 1/8 miles, the $350,000 race for fillies and mares 4 years and up at 1 1/8 miles on turf, the $250,000 race for fillies and mares 4 years and up at six furlongs, and the $250,000 race for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs.

The closing for early-bird nominations will be Monday, Dec. 9, with a $100 fee. Late closing for nominations will be Saturday, Jan. 11, with a $500 fee. Pre-entries will be Wednesday, Jan. 15. The post-position draws will be Wednesday, Jan. 22 at both locations. All horses that pre-enter and are not drawn into the race will receive a refund of their entry fee. There will be no supplementary nominations.

If more than 12 horses enter a race, preference will be given in the following order: graded stake winners in 2002-03; stake winners in 2002-03; winners of two races other than claiming; winners of one race other than claiming. Money earned in 2002-03 in non-claiming races will break all ties.

The starting field for each race will be comprised of an equal number of California-bred and Florida-bred entries and an equal number of also-eligibles. If fewer than six horses from the shipping state enter, host state-breds will be allowed to enter to ensure that a field of 12 is drawn. All unplaced shippers will receive up to a maximum of $10,000.

All races will be weight-for-age.

The Sunshine Millions is the result of a joint effort among the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners Association, the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park and Magna Entertainment.