The Week in Review: Do We Really Need So Many Stakes Races?

There are too many stakes races in the U.S. Since May 7, there have been 21 graded or listed races that had five-horse fields. The number of Grade I races has fallen by 5.6% in 15 years. There are more bets for bettors and fewer horses running. In 2007, 51,304 races were run in U.,S., but last year it was down to 33,567. The American Graded Stakes Committee needs to show the sport some tough love. Otherwise it risks losing its credibility. It's time to change the system. For example, the number and number per horse has declined.

There are at least a half dozen more stakes on the NYRA schedule that could be done away with. The Hollywood Gold Cup isn't the race it used to be. Stakes races represent the highest level of the sport. Smaller tracks don't get many opportunities to put on cards that include major races. Racing secretaries from all the major tracks should meet each year and work together to reduce the number of stakes available.

Beverly Park won a starter allowance June 18 at Churchill Downs. It was his 17th start of the year and his eighth win. He's earned $150,244 for owner-trainer Norman Cash. Beverly Park has won 15 times and started 25 times since August.