The Breeders' Cup World Championships® has a deep history that is rooted in traditions and customs that are still carried out to this day. From your hat to “Down the Stretch,” the traditions it upholds have helped to make it the prestigious horse racing event it is now.
Here are the five most popular traditions that create the culture of the Breeders' Cup World Championships®!
The Torrie Horse Trophy
Breeders' Cup® awards the same trophy every year, a bronze renaissance sculpture of a horse that was first created in Florence by Giambologna in the 1580s. The original sculpture was then copied and has been permanently owned by Breeders’ Cup® since the 1980s, with smaller replicas presented to each winner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championship®.
"Down the Stretch"
Most major horse races have an official drink. For The Kentucky Derby®, it’s the Mint Julep, and for Breeders’ Cup®, it’s a drink called “Down the Stretch.” It was first created in 2007 and is moderately changed based on the host venue but typically consists of Grey Goose Vodka, Blue Curacao, sweet and sour mix, cranberry juice, and Sprite. Get yours during race weekend, so your taste buds will not be disappointed!
The Flower Blanket
After an elite horse race, it is customary that the winning horse receives a garland of flowers draped across its withers. At the Breeders' Cup®, this garland is created with yellow chrysanthemums as the base and outlined with purple chrysanthemums, which symbolize the official race colors. The flower blanket holds a round purple cloth plaque with the Breeders' Cup® logo and name embroidered on it. The garland is then covered in the center with a bouquet of white orchids, greenery and additional chrysanthemums and totals 96 inches in length.
The Breeders’ Cupcake
For the past seven years, a competition has been held to select the official cupcake of the Breeders’ Cup World Championship®. The winning cupcake is then sold during race days at the track and surrounding events in the area. The proceeds are donated to a nonprofit organization, Children Mending Hearts, whose goal is to empower at-risk children in the United States by giving them global education and connecting them internationally to children in need. Thousands of cupcakes are expected to sell over the race weekend, which raises enough money to make a significant community impact.
Fascinators and Fedoras
Race fashion is usually dictated by the host racetrack. However, hats and headpieces remain consistent between venues. Over the course of race weekend, both men and women are judged on their extravagant headwear and the winners receive a cash prize.
Be Part of the Traditions at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup®
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will be hosting this year’s Breeders' Cup. With an Official Ticket Package, all your needs will be taken care of in one fell swoop. Complete with unrestricted views of the track, you can see all the action at the "Test of the Champion." Get your Official Ticket Package today!
2024 Breeders' Cup Official Ticket Packages
