Gulfstream Park has unveiled a record-setting $11.61-million stakes schedule ahead of its 2015-2016 Championship meet. The highlight of the season will be the $1-million GI Florida Derby, scheduled for Apr. 2. The program features 73 stakes, with 37 graded events and six newly added races. The Hallandale oval's 3-year-old series kicks off Jan. 2 with the $100,000 GIII $100,000 Hutcheson S. and $100,000 Mucho Macho Man. The $350,000 GII Holy Bull S. and $150,000 GIII Swale S. will be run Jan. 30; the $400,000 GII Fountain of Youth and $150,000 GIII Palm Beach will be run Feb. 27; and the $75,000 Spectacular Bid Mar. 19.
The $500,000 GI Donn H. has been scheduled for Feb. 6. That day's card also includes the $350,000 GI Gulfstream Park Turf H.
“We are looking forward to what will be a memorable and exciting championship meet at Gulfstream Park,” said P. J. Campo, Gulfstream's General Manager and The Stronach Group's Vice President of Racing. “The increase in purse money and the number of stakes to our program shows the commitment of The Stronach Group to Thoroughbred racing in Florida and throughout North America. Our stakes schedule, with the help of horsemen throughout the Americas, continues to grow as does the number of fans and guests to our facility. Our 3-year-old program, highlighted by the $1-million Florida Derby and Gulfstream Park Oaks, continue to be one of the best in the world. Our racing program, coupled with great events, including the Eclipse Awards and Fasig-Tipton March sale, means Gulfstream will be the place to be this winter.”
The championship meet opens Dec. 5.
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