Breeders' Cup

Breeders' Cup

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a series of thoroughbred horse races that takes place over two days every year in late October and/or early November. The inaugural Breeders’ Cup was held in 1984 at Hollywood Park in California and featured seven races with $10 million in total purses, capped off by the $3 million Classic. The very first Breeders’ Cup champion was Chief’s Crown, winner of the Juvenile, while 31-1 longshot Wild Again won the first Classic after a thrilling three-way stretch drive that included the much higher regarded Slew O’ Gold and Gate Dancer. [+]

Over the years the Breeders’ Cup has travelled around the United States, having been held at various tracks including Belmont, Arlington, Gulfstream, Churchill Downs and others. In 1996 the races were moved out of the US for the first – and so far only – time, when Woodbine Racetrack in Canada played host.

As would be expected, some the best horses in racing history have made their mark at the Breeders’ Cup, while others have come out of nowhere to run the race of their lives and score historic upsets. The Irish-bred filly Goldikova leads all horses in wins, having won the Mile (racing against males) three times, in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Of the 14 horses that have won two Breeders’ Cup races, Tiznow is the only one to capture the Classic twice, wining in 2000 and 2001. Another female, Zenyatta won the Distaff in 2008 and then came back the next year to beat the boys and win the Classic. In 1993, the French-bred Arcangues scored the biggest upset in Breeders’ Cup history, when he won the Classic at odds of 133-1, paying $269.20 for a $2 win ticket.

Since the first event in 1984, the Breeders’ Cup has continued to grow and now features 13 races in sprints, at longer distances, on the dirt, and on the turf, with a total purse of now more than $25 million, including the now $5 million Classic. In 2013, Mucho Macho Man won the Classic, one year after finishing second in the big race. Other notable 2013 performances include Wise Dan winning his second straight Turf Mile title, while Groupie Doll won her second straight Filly and Mare Sprint. With the win aboard Mucho Macho Man, jockey Mike Smith extended his record to 20 Breeders’ Cup wins.

2023 Breeders' Cup World Championships, Nov. 3-4

The 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park is fast approaching. Arabian Knight is the morning line favorite but longshot Zandon could spice up the exotics. The 1 1/4 mile race has a talented field assembled, making for an exciting championship event. With potential payouts on the line, bettors will want to closely assess the contenders before finalizing their wagers. It should be a thrilling race to cap off the Breeders' Cup weekend.

2023 Breeders' Race Types

You can track every type of race for the 2023 Breeders Cup below. We have listed all the latest race types.