Gulfstream Park to host Claiming Crown through 2021

Gulfstream Park will host the Claiming Crown through 2021, according to an announcement on Thursday. The three-year agreement that begins in 2019 provides for the $1.1 million event to be held during the Championship meet at Gulfstream.

This year's Claiming Crown is set for Dec. 1 at Gulfstream.

Gulfstream made the announcement with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

The Claiming Crown features nine divisional races for claiming horses, with the centerpiece the $200,000 Jewel. A press release from Gulfstream described the event as a “Breeders’ Cup-style championship for claiming horses."

Gulfstream first hosted the Claiming Crown in 2013 and has seen handle on the card increase from $8.8 million to a record $11.1 million in 2017.

“We’re delighted to have the Claiming Crown back at Gulfstream through 2021,” Bill Badgett, general manager of Gulfstream, said in a press release. “The Claiming Crown has grown into an exciting event at Gulfstream and our fans look forward to kicking off the Championship meet with this great series featuring many of the most popular horses in the country. We will continue growing this event along with our great partners from the National HBPA, Florida HBPA, and TOBA.”

Eric Hamelback, chief executive officer of the National HBPA, echoed the sentiments of Badgett.

“Our goals, along with Gulfstream Park, will include raising the profile of the Claiming Crown with promotions throughout the country and qualifying races such as those found at Laurel Park and Kentucky Downs,” Hamelback said in a press release. “We could not be more pleased to extend our partnership for an additional three years.”