OCEANPORT – With the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby added to his impressive list of accomplishments that includes a victory in the TVG.com Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, Authentic is now just one race away from collecting a $1 million bonus promotion that Monmouth Park and BetMakers have partnered to offer this year.
Known as the “BetMakers Bonanza,” the $1 million bonus goes to the connections of any horse that wins the TVG.Com Haskell Stakes, the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic, according to a press release.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic will take place Nov. 7 at Keeneland.
Authentic captured the 53rd edition of the Haskell on July 18, extending trainer Bob Baffert’s record to nine victories in Monmouth Park’s showcase race. The Haskell victory qualified Authentic for the Breeders’ Cup Classic with its “Win and You’re In” designation.
“It would be fitting if, in the first year of the $1 million bonus, a horse trained by Bob Baffert earned it. Bob’s support of the Haskell through the years with top quality 3-year-olds continues to validate the Haskell’s importance on the 3-year-old calendar,” said Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development, operators of Monmouth Park.
The Haskell has been a consistent stop for Kentucky Derby winners throughout its history, although this year marked the first time the Haskell has been contested before the Kentucky Derby.
COVID-19 forced the Kentucky Derby to be moved from its traditional spot on the first Saturday in May to the first Saturday in September this year.
In 2015, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah added to his legacy by making the Haskell his next stop following the Belmont Stakes, attracting a record crowd of 60,983.
American Pharoah is among eight Haskell participants who have gone on to win Horse of the Year, joining Spend a Buck, Alysheba, Holy Bull, Skip Away, Point Given, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, according to the press release.
