ARCADIA, Calif. -- The Breeders' Cup announced Gary Player, nine-time major golf champion and leading South African Thoroughbred breeder, has been named the first recipient of the Breeders' Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award.

The Breeders' Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award honors an individual who has established a career of excellence in a chosen profession and also maintains a passionate interest as an owner, breeder or participant in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Player will be presented the Sports and Racing Excellence Award, an elegant Steuben crystal, at Santa Anita Park on Thursday, Nov. 5, prior to the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing's two-day $25.5 million international event, Nov. 6-7.

"Demonstrating that same commitment to excellence which made him the world's greatest international golfer, Gary's outstanding success as a Thoroughbred breeder and passionate supporter of horse racing makes him an extraordinary first recipient of our Sports and Racing Award," said Breeders' Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli. "On behalf of our Board, the racing industry and Gary's many fans and followers around the world, we are extremely proud to present him with this honor at the Breeders' Cup."

Player, the most successful international golfer of all time and a global ambassador for the sport, won nine Major championships [Masters (3), U.S. Open (1), British Open (3) and PGA Championship (2)], and became just the third player history behind Gene Sarazan and Ben Hogan to win all four Grand Slam events. Player has won a total of 164 events worldwide in his career including 9 major championships on the Champion's Tour; and has traveled more than 15 million miles in his career. Player has also a renowned golf course architect, having created more than 300 design projects around the world.

Player's connection to Thoroughbred racing and breeding is passionate and widespread. As the owner of 20,000 acre Gary Player Stud in Cape Province since 1974, he is one of South Africa's most successful Thoroughbred breeders. From an original small band of broodmares, he has produced an average of 12% stakes winners per crop, including Pinehurst, World Over, Foreign Source, Kadarko, Foolish Pride, Creator and Superwood, among others. From three mares at stud in the U.S., he had stakes winners Broadway Flyer (gr. I); French Gr. 3 winner Cachet Noir, and two sons of Storm Cat at stud in South Africa, Aristis and Port Rush.

"I am chuffed at being selected for this inaugural award and delighted to accept it on behalf of all horse lovers around the world. If I had to choose golf over horses….I would miss my clubs!" declared Gary Player from his stud farm in Colesberg, South Africa.

About Gary Player
Dubbed the Black Knight, Mr. Fitness and the International Ambassador of Golf...Renowned golf course designer with over 300 design projects throughout the world...Operates Black Knight International which includes, Player Real Estate, Gary Player Design and Player Enterprises - aspects of which include licensing, publishing, wine, events and memorabilia...Gary Player Stud Farm has received worldwide acclaim for breeding top thoroughbred race horses including 1994 English Derby entry Broadway Flyer...Operates The Player Foundation with its primary objective to promote underprivileged education around the world, and has raised over $30 million since being established in 1983. Member of the Laureus World Sports Academy…Three-time Presidents Cup Captain for the International Team opposite friend and rival Jack Nicklaus (2003, 2005 & 2007)…Also captained the UBS Cup with Arnold Palmer in 2001 and 2002. For more visit www.garyplayer.com

About Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup administers the Breeders' Cup World Championships; Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses, which makes it the richest event in sports. At last year's Breeders' Cup, more than $100 million in winning wagers were returned to fans at betting locations around the globe. The Breeders' Cup also administers the Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders' Cup Stakes Program. Breeders' Cup has offices in Lexington, Ky., and in New York City. Breeders' Cup press releases appear on the Breeders' Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You may follow the Breeders' Cup on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BreedersCup

Contact: Jim Gluckson, Breeders' Cup 646-335-6835
Jason Howarth, Conover Tuttle Pace 508-353-0063