2022 Claiming Crown to be Held at Churchill Downs

The 2022 Claiming Crown will be held at Churchill Downs in November, according to Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. 

Speaking on Horse Racing Radio Network's Equine Forum June 4, National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association CEO Eric Hamelback first announced the news, saying: "I am over the moon excited to move the Claiming Crown for 2022 to Churchill Downs. Saturday, Nov. 12 is the plan for now. We are appreciative of Churchill Downs, especially to (track representatives) Mike Ziegler and Ben Huffman who wanted this event. We are hoping for as spectacular a day as we have had at Gulfstream over the past years. The long-term plan is to stay within the Churchill Downs family, going to Louisiana (Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots) for 2023."

Representing a partnership between the National HBPA and TOBA, the Claiming Crown acts as a mini "Breeders' Cup" for claiming horse owners. 

This year will mark the 24th renewal of the event as well as the first time it has moved tracks in the last 10 years. Gulfstream Park has hosted the event since 2012.

In 2013, Gulfstream became the first track to host the event consecutively since Canterbury Park thus beginning a longer-term commitment to host. Canterbury hosted the first inaugural Claiming Crown in 1999 and continued to hold the event for the next 10 years. 

The event has also been held at Parx Racing (2002), Ellis Park (2007), and Fair Grounds (2011). 

Showcasing some of the most competitive horses in the country, all claiming horses are eligible to race regardless of where they were bred or previously raced as well as the level at which their stable competes.

Consisting of nine races worth $1.1 million in purses, the Claiming Crown has become a highlight on the racing calendar for horses which have started for claiming tags between $7,500 and $35,000.

This story will be updated.