Hollywood gets $750K stakes

CashCall, a California-based consumer lending company founded by Thoroughbred owner Paul Reddam, will sponsor a $750,000 stakes over a mile on turf for fillies and mares at Hollywood Park on July 1, Reddam and the track announced on Friday.

The $750,000 CashCall Mile will be run a day before the $750,000 American Oaks, one of Hollywood Park's showcase events. The CashCall Mile was formerly known as the Royal Heroine Stakes, which carried a purse of $200,000 in 2005.

"Hats off to Martin Panza with coming up with the proposal," Reddam said, crediting Hollywood Park's racing secretary.

The sponsorship will last for three years, according to a Hollywood Park statement.

The CashCall Mile will be the richest turf mile for females in the United States. In past years, Hollywood has run the $500,000 Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares over a mile on turf in November. The Matriarch was not run this year after Hollywood's turf course failed to take root when resodded.

Reddam campaigns a stable that includes 2004 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Wilko.