Ron Paolucci, who has a history in our game of doing things his way – and for the most part successfully, attempted to enter a first time starter in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly race on the main track. The entry was refused by the Breeders’ Cup prompting Ron to vent on social media, and a heated discussion to follow with people on both sides of the fence.
Ron claims there is no rule preventing his filly from running and that he paid the $30,000 pre-entry fee. The Breeders’ Cup responded with what I call a catch-all reminding Ron by entering you agree to abide by their rules one of which gives them broad discretion to refuse any entry they feel isn’t in the best interest of the Breeders’ Cup.
A lot of people feel with no “specific rule” Ron should be able to run where he wants. Ron claims Chad Brown or Bob Baffert would be allowed to run. The problem with that is we don’t really know as neither has ever even attempted to enter a first time starter in a Grade 1 race. Actually I can’t find anyone recently who has. Some people feel it is dangerous as the filly has no experience and can possibly act up at the gate or interfere with another. horse.
I think most of these points are moot, as the catch all rule will prevail and Heavenhasmynikki will not be allowed to compete in the Breeders’ Cup this year anyway. It is unconventional but Loooch usually is. Ron has indicated he is considering legal action.
