Some fans won't go to Breeders' Cup

Although Breeders' Cup officials have yet to receive any cancellations from owners for the World Thoroughbred Championship races Oct. 27 at Belmont Park, they have received cancellations from some fans, Breeders' Cup president D.G. Van CliefJr. said Tuesday.

"We have had some cancellations from ticket holders," Van Clief said. He said the number was less than 100.

Van Clief said the Breeders' Cup is re-evaluating its promotion and marketing for the event in light of the attacks last week. A logo for this year's event features a stylized New York skyline that includes the World Trade Center towers.

Some souvenirs, such as T-shirts and caps, already are on the shelves, Van Clief said. Future products will have the logo modified. Van Clief said his office has received mixed input on the logo. Some argue that it is inappropriate and should be changed while others say it should be left alone.

The Breeders' Cup previously announced that the event would be dedicated to the victims of the attacks and that a portion of the day's proceeds would go to the NTRA Charities New York Heroes Fund. In addition, Van Clief said on Tuesday, proceeds from the Breeders' Cup charity gala, a black-tie event held the week of the Breeders' Cup, would go to the New York Heroes Fund instead of the usual recipient, the Jockey Club Foundation. "We've set a goal for the fund of $1 million," Van Clief said.

"We'd like to see this year's event take on a larger meaning" Van Clief said. "We want it to be more than the World Thoroughbred Championships. We want it to be a celebration and a salute to the people of New York."

Have your Breeders' Cup plans changed following the terrorist attacks in New York? Would you feel safe attending this year's Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park? Do you think the World Trade Center should be removed from this year's Breeders' Cup logo?

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