Big Brown camp turns down Woodward; Jackson proposes Gold Cup

Big Brown camp turns down Woodward; Jackson proposes Gold

Cup

The connections of dual classic winner BIG BROWN (Boundary) have declined the

invitation to race Horse of the Year CURLIN (G1) in the Woodward S. (G1) on

August 30. Jess Jackson, the majority owner of Curlin, was disappointed by the

rejection and is now proposing match-up between the two stars in the Jockey Club

Gold Cup (G1) on September 27. He issued the following statement:

"I am delighted that we are talking about Curlin on the day that Michael

Phelps became the most decorated Olympian ever," Jackson said. "Great athletes

deserve great company. This is what sports is about -- the thrill of

competition. And it is my belief that Thoroughbred racing is indeed the greatest

sport of all time. I made a sportsman's proposal to Big Brown's connections this

morning to race at Saratoga Race Course in the Grade 1 Woodward on August 30,

and they declined the invitation. I am disappointed by the news. I read this

morning that Big Brown might be looking for a turf race at Belmont Park, so

apparently, his connections are looking at other options this fall.

"I would ask Big Brown's camp to consider the prestigious Grade 1, $750,000

Jockey Gold Cup Invitational at Belmont Park on September 27 as an option. It's

a prestigious, prized race on a natural dirt surface at one of the great tracks

in the world. Big Brown is a champion Thoroughbred and, most certainly, would be

prepared to race at the end of September. Perhaps we could work together to get

the Breeders' Cup to add an incentive to the purse so that a specific charity

would get a bigger slice of the pie. This has long been a part of my platform

for this industry -- bigger purses.

"Another part of my personal platform is to make charitable contributions.

When Barbara and I bought Curlin, we immediately established the Jackson Curlin

for Kids Fund whose purpose is to make a difference in the lives of children

where Curlin runs or trains. In February of this year, we donated $1 million to

The Woods Laboratory for equine and human cancer and infertility research. Plus

we give millions to more than 600 charities ever year because we believe it is

the right thing to do. We also are aware of IEAH's (Big Brown's owners)

involvement with charitable causes, including the current construction of the

Ruffian Equine Medical Center across from Belmont Park. We seem to have two

great horses and a common purpose. Why not get them together?"

Jackson reiterated that the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita on October 25 is

likely out of the equation for Curlin.

"As to the Breeders' Cup, it is not part of my current plan for Curlin. I

felt it was the sporting thing to do to announce Curlin's schedule to give fair

notice to anyone looking to compete against the reigning Horse of the Year this

fall. Our plan is to focus on the Woodward, look to the Jockey Gold Cup,

hopefully with Big Brown in the field, and review our plans after that.

"Ultimately, all of us have to do what is in the best interest of our horse.

I wish Big Brown well and hope Curlin has the opportunity to compete against

him. It certainly would help the industry and please the fans of both of these

majestic horses."