Jim Gluckson response to BC changes

[DelKev]

I received a lengthy (albeit party line) response from Jim Gluckson, the press guy for the Breeders Cup, re: "Ladies Day". Here it is:

"I’ve also seen the news reports and blogs among those who are unhappy about the switch to an all female Breeders’ Cup Friday. If you’ve had your Breeders’ Cup Saturday virtually the same way for 24 years, I can understand being upset and why are “they ruining the best card in racing.” You may be right, but we think, over the next few years, that the changes will strengthen the event in the concept of a two-day championship."

"From our perspective, we don’t want to continue observing Friday being appetizers and Saturday the main course for the event. We want to make both days Championship days with excellent racing. We don’t see Friday being viable down the road if the day is relegated to just $1 million races. Yes, you are correct, we will make it harder for those in the Mountain and Western time zones to bet the Friday races if you have to work. I know this doesn’t make it much easier for you, but five Breeders’ Cup Friday races will be run from 4-7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The races will also be streamed live on breederscup.com."

"I don’t believe that moving the Ladies’ Classic and the Filly and Mare Turf to Friday diminishes the importance of those races. It’s still the Breeders’ Cup. But if we find that handle is reduced significantly on both days because of these changes, we will certainly look at this again. Thanks -Jim Gluckson"

The final line is especially compelling. I am not putting a dime into Friday's card and will cut my typical stake in half on BC Saturday. Hope others consider doing something similar.