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Breeders’ Cup Changes New Foal Nomination Fee Structure; Will Be Based On Stud Fee

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Beginning in 2027, the Breeders’ Cup will offer a new structure for foal nomination fees to be based on the stallion’s advertised fee, the group announced Wednesday. The change was approved by the Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors “recognizing the economic challenges facing today’s Thoroughbred breeding industry.”

Beginning with next year’s foal crop, all 2027 foals sired by North American-nominated stallions with an advertised fee of $5,000 or less will be assigned a $200 nomination fee, which is a 50% decrease of the current $400 nomination fee for 2026. This reduction will benefit approximately 3,500 foals each year.

Foals born in 2027 sired by North American nominated stallions advertised as standing for $100,000 or more will be increased to a $600 nomination fee. The nomination fee for foals by stallions advertised as standing for $5,001 to $99,999 will remain at $400.

“Our Board recognizes that the breeding industry has changed significantly over the past two decades, and our nomination program must evolve with it,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “Making participation more equitable for breeders across all segments of the industry is a top priority, while simultaneously preserving the exceptional lifetime value of a Breeders’ Cup nomination.”

All horses must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program, either as a foal or later through the racehorse nomination process, to be eligible to compete in the 14 Breeders’ Cup World Championship races, which offer more than $34 million in purses and awards. Once nominated, a horse remains eligible for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and all Breeders’ Cup purse and awards programs for the remainder of its racing career without any additional nomination payments.

For 2026, early Foal Nominations must be submitted by Midnight, August 1, 2026 ($400 US per foal for those weanlings entered in a fall or winter stock sale), and Standard Foal Nominations must be submitted by Midnight, October 15, 2026 ($400 US per foal).

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Banke, Hancock, Lyster And Walden Re-Elected To Breeders’ Cup Board

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Barbara Banke (Stonestreet Farms), Walker Hancock (Claiborne Farm), Gray Lyster (Ashview Farm), and Elliott Walden (WinStar Farm) have been re-elected to the Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors, and each will serve a four-year term according to an announcement Wednesday by Breeders’ Cup Limited.

Banke will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors, a role to which she was appointed in 2021 and re-elected in 2023 and 2025.

“We congratulate Barbara, Walker, Gray, and Elliott on their re-election to the Breeders’ Cup Board,” said Antony Beck, Vice-Chairman of the Breeders’ Cup Limited Board of Directors. “Each brings exceptional experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to the Thoroughbred industry. Their continued service will help guide the future of the Breeders’ Cup as we build upon our position as a premier global championships while continuing to invest in initiatives that strengthen the sport for generations to come.”

The post Banke, Hancock, Lyster And Walden Re-Elected To Breeders’ Cup Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.