It is the largest purse in sports, but most casual sports fans when asked about horse racing know only the Triple Crown, and then only in a year when horses like Big Brown take the sportlight in the spring. So into that issue steps the Breeder's Cup, which for 25 years has had the opportunity to try and distinguish itself in a crowded fall sports calendar and without a home. The matchup between Big Brown and Curlin would have brought more eyeballs and attention, but Big Brown's injury a few weeks ago ended that drama, and Curlin's upset los.Saturday put even more of a damper on the drama. yet by finding new partners and ways to extend the brand outside of the two day event, the Breeder's Cup did make considerable strides in growing its presence this year and looking to the future. By building out more promotable events, strategically looking for “dark” periods to make announcements about drug testing, future venues, and the depth of field, and educating the public on the value and spectacle of the event over a period of month's not weeks, the marketers have been able to extend the interest window internationally, regradless of the on track performances. Now do you need buzz with the bets horses runnin.? Of course that helps. But in planning and mapping and finding news, The Breeder's Cup this year made some great strides, and has really positioned itself better for its next 25 years as a brand.The Florida Sun Sentinel has a good piece on the Florida Panthers “test drive” program to bring in new fans…si.com's Steve Ascburner has a good piece on the value of being an NBA journeyman…and the New York Times has a good look back at some of the leftover memories of the Phils 1980 championship that still linger in Citizen's Bank Park..
