The Breeders' Cup is coming to Keeneland Race Course.Citing unnamed sources, The Courier-Journal reported Tuesday morning that the Breeders' Cup, one of thoroughbred racing's most notable annual events, would be held at the Lexington in 2015, Santa Anita in 2016 and Del Mar in 2017. Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders' Cup eight times and delivered its most successful dates in attendance and betting handle. The C-J's Gregory Hall reports: The schedule also would ensure the longest absence of the Breeders' Cup at Churchill — at least seven years — despite the fact that the track has recorded the event's largest crowds and biggest betting totals. Last year, when the 2014 decision was announced, the Breeders' Cup said not choosing Churchill was not a criticism of the track. But the two sides have differed over financial terms in past years, with representatives of both sides saying publicly that they wanted a better deal.Kentucky Thoroughbred Association Director David Switzer told Kentucky Public Radio's Stu Johnson that the Breeders' Cup's "economic impact will be tremendous" for Lexington. "It's gonna be a big sporting weekend," he said. " I'm not sure what the dates are, but it will be a big sporting weekend."
