Eight Late Nominations Push Triple Crown Numbers To All-Time Record Of 454

(Mar. 31, 2003) - With eight late nominations in the fold, a record-shattering 454 Thoroughbreds have been made eligible for the 2003 Visa Triple Crown and $5-million Visa Triple Crown Challenge following the closing for late nominations at midnight Saturday, March 29.

More nominations could show up through mail deliveries over the next couple of days.

The earlier record of 452 was established in 1986, the first year for the common nomination program established by Triple Crown Productions that allowed horsemen to nominate at one time and for one fee to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

"We at Triple Crown Productions are extremely excited about these record-breaking numbers," said Thomas H. Meeker, president of Triple Crown Productions as well as president and chief executive officer of Churchill Downs. "It reminds us once again that horsemen around the world remain keenly aware of the importance of the Visa Triple Crown and the $5-million Visa Triple Crown Challenge. We look forward to the coming excitement surrounding the running of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes and the prospect for the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years."

The new nominees:

Buddy Gil, owned by Desperado Stables, Don McFadden, Charlie Johnson, Rogers Seversen and Tom Schriber and trained by Jeff Mullins; Defrere's Vixen and Mr. Decatur, both owned by Heiligbrodt Racing Stable and trained by Steven Asmussen; During, owned by James McIngvale and trained by Bob Baffert; Herculated, owned by Jack E. Hodge Jr. and trained by Michael Stidham; New York Hero, owned by Paraneck Stable and trained by Jennifer Pedersen; Mr. Amano, owned by Gianca Stable and trained by John Hertler; Fund of Funds, owned by Klaravich Stable and trained by Rick Violette.

Early nominations for this year's Visa Triple Crown and $5-million Visa Triple Crown Challenge had set a record of 446 for early birds when that nomination period closed on Jan. 25. The fee for early nominations was $600. The fee to nominate late was $6,000. The previous record for the early period was 440, set in 2001.

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