Fans of the international turf look forward each year to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, that definitive climax to the North American racing season, which also draws sizeable international participation. It was noted Kentucky horseman John R. Gaines, founder of Gainesway Farm, who first put forward the concept in 1982, an idea which took the best part of two years to be brought to fruition.

The inaugural running was held at the late, lamented, Hollywood Park track in Inglewood, California, in 1984. The original single-day event, which featured just seven races, has since morphed into a two-day carnival with $26 million at stake by way of prize money. Riches apart, there is prestige to be had – the  concluding event, the 10 fur. Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic, often determines the destination of the title of "Horse of the Year", which is a really big deal in these parts.

Back on June 17, 2011, Breeders Cup Ltd. announced the appointment of Craig Fravel, then aged 54, as its President and Chief Executive Officer, and the new appointee took charge with effect from July 18, 2011.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Fravel had been President and General Manager of the storied Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, in San Diego, California, whose memorable slogan "Where the surf meets the turf" still resonates all these many years after the phrase was coined. Mr. Fravel took over the reins of Breeders Cup Ltd. from Greg Avioli, who left to join the well-known Stronach Group, founded by Austrian-Canadian Frank Stronach.

Mr. Fravel brought a great deal of experience to his new assignment. Trained as a lawyer, he graduated from the University of Virginia's law school. He spent over two decades at Del Mar, during which time he contributed to such diverse Thoroughbred industry organizations as the Jockey Club, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Equibase and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. In short, there was not much about Thoroughbred racing in North America that he was not familiar with.

One of the challenges faced by the Breeders Cup every few years is deciding the tracks at which the carnival is to be held in the following years. The track has to feature adequate capacity for the patrons, a turf track, and suitable facilities for the horsemen and the horses –  particularly their isolation and safety. The time of year, late October or early November, means that choosing a more northern track – such as Belmont Park in New York – would involve a risk that the weather would be hostile. Choosing a track in California – which is almost sure to be sunny – cannot be the default option as it would deprive patrons elsewhere of a chance to see top class runners in their own bailiwick. As it is, Santa Anita alone has hosted the carnival as many as 8 times (and is on course for a ninth renewal in 2016).

As a result of numerous consultations, it was decided some time back that the 2015 running would be held at the track located right in the heart of Bluegrass Country, Keeneland, in Lexington, Kentucky. The arguments in favour included the fact that Keeneland is more or less synonymous with the Thoroughbred horse, both with racegoers and with breeders. Those against were formidable – a relatively small track, shortage of hotel rooms in Lexington, a crowded schedule at the facility with the upcoming November Breeding Stock Sales, and so on.

How Breeders Cup Ltd. will be tackling this unique opportunity is the subject of an exclusive interview, specially for Indiarace.com, with Mr. Fravel:

Tell us about the selection of Keeneland as the venue for 2015….

A systematic process was followed – a professional consulting group was appointed to study the matter, obtain feedback and evaluate the options. There was a feeling that it was the turn of the East (to host the Championships) and Churchill Downs (in Louisville) and Keeneland (in Lexington) were the two possibilities. It was felt that (hosting it at) Keeneland would bring a fresh perspective.

The events will be held on Friday, October 30^th, and Saturday, October 31^st. Why was a Saturday-Sunday (November 1^st) carnival not considered?

It could have been – but in this country, there is vast public interest in NFL (National Football League), which holds most of its events on Sundays. TV coverage (of the Breeders Cup) and viewership would have been a problem on a Sunday.

What will the arrangements be like for the public at the track?

It's a relatively small facility, with a maximum capacity of 45,000, even with planned additions. To start with, parking space is limited, hence parking at Keeneland itself will be restricted to those with the appropriate reserved credentials. However, three venues have been arranged for paid off-course parking, which includes a free Breeders' Cup program for each person, and complimentary shuttle service to the track. These locations are the Kentucky Horse Park, the Rupp Arena (basketball stadium) and the Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

And for viewing the action?

Apart from the grandstand, which has reserved seating, and general admission, which is also reserved, additional arrangements have been made to accommodate patrons in the Meadow, specially designed Chalets, the Keene Barn, the Thoroughbred Club, the Sales Pavilion, and so on. Not every patron present at Keeneland will get to see live action but there will be Jumbo TV monitors and facilities for pari-mutuel wagering in all locations. One highlight is the unreserved parking area called "The Hill", located in the lawn near the Keene Entertainment Center where fans can enjoy food and drink and live music as well.

How about the horses and the actual races?

There are numerous barns all over Keeneland. For safety and security reasons, the horses will be stabled across Rice Road in a designated area, equipped with data and wireless systems. The racing program, with scheduled times, can be accessed on our website: www.breederscup.com

Any other information you would like to share with us?

Lexington is the centre of the Thoroughbred world in America and the focus is on the farms. A  Lexington festival will run from October 24^th through October 31^st involving horse farm and distillery tours, outdoor music, parades, parties, food competitions, and the like.

It looks like a grand experience is on offer for established horse racing fans and newcomers alike! Thank you, Mr. Fravel, for sharing your insights for the benefit of our readers.

My pleasure.