News and notes from around the Thoroughbred racing world, compiled by Thoroughbred Racing Communications, Inc. (TRC) (212.371.5911..)

CHURCHILL DOWNS HAS BANNER DAY AND MEET

Total wagering (on-track and simulcast) wagering on Churchill Downs races established a record, Friday, Nov. 28. A total of $10,129,228 was wagered on the 12-race card, eclipsing a single-day record established on Nov. 29, 1996 for the largest mutuel handle on a race day other than a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or Breeders' Cup Day. Friday's holiday racing card attracted an on-track crowd of 15,849.

Churchill Downs reported increases in every significant business category during its 30-day meet that concluded Saturday, Nov. 29. On-track attendance increased 1.8 percent to 226,190, a daily average of 7,540, and total betting from all sources increased 5.07 percent to $178,146,645, with the daily average of $5.9 million reflecting an increase over the comparable $5.6 million one year ago.

'Our marketing strategy was invaluable in the success Churchill Downs achieved in both the spring and fall meets,' said track president and CEO Tom Meeker. 'Reduced pricing and our continued commitment to customer service are vital in our efforts to retain patron base. The key to Churchill Downs' future success will focus on our ability to react and compete with the changes that will take place in our market.'

RECORD PRICE PAID FOR WEANLING

A full-brother to European champion Generous was sold for a world-record weanling price of 2.5 million guineas (about $4.42 million) during the Nov. 29 session of the Tattersalls December sale at Newmarket, England. The colt was purchased by the British Bloodstock Agency from the consignment of Barronstown Stud. Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said the record weanling price was indicative of the solid numbers posted during the first week of the sale, which has been enhanced by a large contingent of buyers from Turkey and increased demand from Japanese interests.

U.S. RIDERS SHUT OUT IN JAPAN

Japanese jockey Shoichi Kawahara won the 11th annual World Super Jockeys Series, held Nov. 20-30 at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan. The event brings 13 of the world's top jockeys to compete in four races held over two days. Kawahara finished third in the event's first two races and won the final two on Sunday. Japan's Yutaka Take finished second and France's Olivier Peslier was third. American riders Pat Day and Shane Sellers finished seventh and 12th, respectively.

BRITISH GOVERNMENT BACKS FILM ON RACING INDUSTRY

The British government is backing a documentary portraying the country's expertise in racing and breeding. The 28-minute program, titled 'Thoroughbreds,' is to be distributed worldwide for viewing in 120 countries by an estimated 750 million audience. The project was originated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as part of a series designed to promote British industries and will be screened on overseas TV, selected in-flight programs and on the Internet.

During 12 months of shooting, filmmakers Carlyle Communications visited the National Stud, Tattersalls Sales in Newmarket, the stables of trainers Ian Balding and Henrietta Knight as well as racetracks. The film also includes a personal endorsement of the racing industry by Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.

The FCO contributed 100,000 of the 160,000 pounds needed with the remaining costs met by the British racing and breeding groups.