Should JCGC return to 16F ?

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by sumitas

Because of the BC initiative for a "marathon" division this is the perfect year to return the Jockey Club Gold Cup to 16F, as it used to be. I surmise this move could very well place the JCGC back to elite status. Group Plan was the last to win at that distance, 1975 in 3:23.20. Trained by The Chief.

Among many notables to win the JCGC at that distance, 1921 - 1975, was Kelso, winning a mind boggling 5 in a row from 1960-1964. He set the race record in 1964 at 3:19.20... Forego won in 1974 in 3:21.20.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jockey_Club_Gold_Cup

I honestly don't care what distance the race is run at, but the suggestion that the people in charge of a race with the history and importance of the JCGC should do ANYTHING differently just because the Breeders' Cup added some stupid new 12f race is completely insane and demonstrates the heart of the entire problem.
This sport SHOULD NOT revolve around this stupid day....or two days....or a month and half....or however long they decide to make this hideous event.

[Riot]

I'd like to see it at 1 1/2 miles.

I did some searching, but cannot find any of the news reports regarding the announcement when they shortened it up. Pre-internet

I thought the reasoning was due "realities of the American racing game" at the time. Anybody else out there recall why it was shortened?

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by miraja2

I honestly don't care what distance the race is run at, but the suggestion that the people in charge of a race with the history and importance of the JCGC should do ANYTHING differently just because the Breeders' Cup added some stupid new 12f race is completely insane and demonstrates the heart of the entire problem.
This sport SHOULD NOT revolve around this stupid day....or two days....or a month and half....or however long they decide to make this hideous event.

The problem with that is that the people in charge of the race already have done something different with the race a few times. It was a 16f race. They dropped it to 12f. It was a 12f race and they dropped it to 10f. While I can't say with absolute certainty that the drop to 10f was in order to make it a better prep for the BC, I'm sure that played a part in it. So I would have to say that it's not too insane to suggest that they do anything because of the BC when they've shown already that they will.