Running of the Exciting Sunshine Millions
Sixteen years ago, Frank Stronach decided to approach the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Inc., the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the Thoroughbred Owners of California in regard to a race that he envisioned. Along with the assistance of Santa Anita Park and the Gulfstream Park racecourses, the Sunshine Millions was born. As the owner of Magna Entertainment Corp, which oversees and operates many of the most well-known racecourses across the United States, Stronach managed to use his horse racing experience to create a race that has been enjoyed by racing stables, punters, jockeys and spectators through their continued annual support.
There are eight races that take place on the Sunshine Millions race day. Four races take place at the Gulfstream Park racecourse in California and the other four are run at the Santa Anita Park racecourse in Florida. The winner of the Sunshine Millions is determined through a points system. Only the finest California-bred and Florida-bred thoroughbreds are chosen to take part in the series. The top three horses in each race are given points. First place gets five points, second place gets three points and third place is allocated one point. It is a battle of the states at its best. At the end of the day, all the points are collected and added to establish which state dominated the Sunshine Millions.
The races to look out for at the Gulfstream Park racecourse includes the Sunshine Million Turf race for four year olds and over, which has a purse of $500 000. Another $500 000 purse race is the Sunshine Millions Distaff which is for four year old and older mares and fillies. The Sunshine Millions Sprint for four year olds and over has a purse of $300 000 and the Sunshine Millions Oaks race for three year old fillies also carries a $300 000 purse. At Santa Anita Park, the racing fever will rise with the R1 000 000 Sunshine Millions Classic for four year olds and over and the $500 000 Sunshine Millions F/M Turf race for fillies and mares. The Sunshine Millions F/M Sprint is also going to be a nail biting racing event with $300 000 to run for, and the last is the $250 000 three year old Sunshine Millions Dash.
This magnificent premier event will be taking place on 26 January 2008 and is going to be an event to remember. With a total purse of $3.6 million and with the states’ prides at stake, every jockey will be encouraging their horses to perform at their best. It is going to be the horse racing extravaganza of the year and should not be missed!