Cameroon’s Owner Agrees to Delay Protest

Churchill Downs announced Thursday that Gibson Downing, owner of the horse that was denied a chance to enter Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Stakes, had agreed to delay his protest until after the running of the race.

“This means,” said Mark Wilson, general counsel for Churchill Downs, “that the Breeders’ Cup national Pick-7 will not be affected in any way by the incident.”

Earlier Thursday, Downing said he plans to continue his protest, first by filing a complaint with the Kentucky State Racing Commission. Downing also mentioned the possibility of seeking damages through the courts.

Downing’s horse, Cameroon, was not allowed to be entered in the Turf. Downing contends that Cameroon should be permitted to run because of points accumulated through high finishes in races this year.

Breeders’ Cup and Churchill Downs officials said that at entry time Wednesday, an international committee decides on the starters, and the committee voted to make a French filly, Saganeca, the 14th and final horse eligible for the race.