Shadwell Turf Mile purse upped to $1 million

Keeneland, in partnership with Sheikh

Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum's

Shadwell Farm, announced

Tuesday that the Shadwell Turf Mile will carry a purse of $1 million for its

29th running on October 4.

With the increase, the Shadwell Turf Mile becomes Keeneland's first stakes

worth $1 million and will rank as one of North America's richest races held at a

mile on the turf.

Shadwell Farm has sponsored the Turf Mile since 1999. The purse was increased

to $750,000 in 2012.

"Shadwell Farm has played a very special role in Keeneland's history for 30

years, actively supporting our racing program as both a sponsor and owner, and

as a leading buyer at our sales," said Keeneland President and CEO Bill

Thomason. "We sincerely thank Sheikh Hamdan and (vice president & general

manager) Rick Nichols for their commitment to Thoroughbred racing, to Central

Kentucky and to Keeneland."

The Shadwell Turf Mile, which serves as the cornerstone of Keeneland's

signature Fall Stars Weekend, is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series,

with the winner automatically qualifying for the Breeders' Cup Mile. The

Shadwell Turf Mile has been won by such champions as Wise Dan, Gio Ponti

(twice), Favorite Trick, Itsallgreektome and Steinlen and major stakes winners

Court Vision, Thorn Song, Perfect Soul and Landseer. Shadwell Stable (Rick

Nichols, lessee) won three editions of the race, with Dumaani in 1995-96 and

Altibr in 2000.

"Sheikh Hamdan and all of us at Shadwell have enjoyed working with Keeneland

to develop the Shadwell Turf Mile," Nichols said. "A special tribute to the late

Howard Battle who, as Keeneland's racing secretary, worked very hard in the

early days of sponsorship to elevate the Turf Mile from a Grade 3 to a Grade 1

event. Sheikh Hamdan has always felt that our best breeding stock comes from

horses that compete successfully at a mile. Keeneland has provided the

opportunity and the stage for him to develop a world-class race at that distance

that will draw and test horses from all over the globe."

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