The NYRA is "close to finalizing a deal with a sponsor either to create a race, or, more likely, enhance the purse" of the October 3 Grade 1 Beldame at Belmont Park from $600,000 to $1M in hopes of bringing horses Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta together, according to a NYRA source cited by David Grening of DAILY RACING FORM. The NYRA is the latest group "attempting to make the dream matchup" a reality, after Houston-based Gallery Furniture Owner Jim McIngvale offered $2M for the horses to race at Sam Houston Race Park . The NYRA source said, "We've talked to the owners, we've talked to the trainers. Nobody is saying no." NYRA officials declined to comment publicly on the sponsor. Zenyatta trainer John Shirreffs said, "We'll have to see the calendar and how it works out. It's something to consider" ( DRF.com, 8/17 ). In N.Y., Joe Drape reports the NYRA, in addition to a sponsor, is seeking "air time on ESPN to transform the Beldame Stakes ... into a much-coveted showdown" between the horses. ESPN's involvement is "key if the racing association is to leverage sponsors, but that is hardly a sure thing" as the October 3 date of the Beldame falls on a Saturday "during the heart of college football season" ( N.Y. TIMES, 8/19 ). An ESPN spokesperson said the net has "not had any discussion" on the idea ( THE DAILY ).
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