Held each year in November, The Breeders’ Cup World Championships® brings excitement and thrill to horse racing. Rotating venues each year, the race will be held at Keeneland Racecourse in 2026. With a rich history from thoroughbreds to crowing victors in a flower garland, here are some facts that will give you a better insight into what The Breeders’ Cup® is all about.
- The first running of The Breeders’ Cup World Championships took place in 1984 and was a single-day event. The race wasn’t expanded into a two-day event until 2007.
- All racetracks to hold The Breeders’ Cup have been within the United States, except in 1996, when it was hosted by Canada at the Woodbine Racetrack.
- The total purse for the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic totaled $7 million.
- Goldikova is the only horse to win the Breeders’ Cup 3 consecutive times (2008-2010 Mile).
- The United States has produced the most Breeders’ Cup winners, followed by Ireland and Great Britain.
- Santa Anita Park has hosted The Breeders’ Cup World Championships the most times at 11, with Churchill Downs at second with 9 stints as host.
- The Jockey with the most Breeders’ Cup wins is Mike Smith, with 27, while the Trainer with the most wins is Aidan O'Brien, with 21.
- Only 14 starters are allowed for each race within The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, except the Dirt Mile and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, which are narrowed down to 12 starters.
- American Pharoah was the first Triple Crown™ victor since the inception of the Breeders’ Cup and thus claimed the first Grand Slam Victory. (Triple Crown™ and Breeders’ Cup® Classic)
- The fastest time ever run in the Classic is 1:59.02, a feat accomplished by Ghostzapper in 2004.
Attend The Breeders’ Cup®
Be at the Breeders' Cup with an Official Ticket Package from Breeders' Cup Experiences. Packages include a 2-Day ticket, exclusive extras, the option to add travel and lodging accommodations, and much more!
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