The Breeders’ Cup, or to give it its full name, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, is an annual series of Grade I thoroughbred horse races that take place in the US or Canada each year.
In 2023, the event moves to Del Mar Racetrack, at Del Mar, CA.
Since 2007, the Breeders’ Cup has been a two-day event. It will feature a total of 14 races, including the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic Race.
This year, the event takes place Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 6.
Top site to bet on the Breeders’ Cup online
This article is divided into the following sections, starting with a focus on the wide range of betting available on the Breeders’ Cup.
Next up, each of the 14 races is detailed, before we delve into the history of this fall event. The guide ends with a series of frequently asked questions about the Breeders’ Cup.
- Where to bet on the Breeders’ Cup online and odds
- The 14 races and the “Grand Slam” of US horse racing
- The history of the Breeders’ Cup and FAQ
Where to bet on the Breeders’ Cup
At the Breeders’ Cup, you’ll see some of the best horses on the planet vying to make their mark in history. If you land that big win on the event, you’ll have your own story to tell.
There are a variety of ways to bet on the two-day event. The most popular way of getting involved is betting online. There are many reliable and reputable online racing sites that are 100% legal within the US. A good example is TVG.
Sticking to a registered site is always your safest option, and more secure than placing a wager with an offshore betting site.
How to Bet the Breeders’ Cup Online
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Perhaps the most straightforward way to place a bet on the Breeders’ Cup is to be there in person.
This event is the fourth-highest attended race of the year in the US with more than 67,000 in attendance in 2019. If you’re one of the lucky ones, head to a teller to place your bets on the series of races.
If you live near a racetrack, you’ll probably find it offers simulcast wagering on the Breeders’ Cup, where you can enjoy the action alongside fellow racing and sports fans. In some states, you’ll also find off-track betting (OTB) sites where you can place your wager; use Google to find your nearest venue.
2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds
The signature race of the Breeders’ Cup is the Classic, a 1 1/4 mile race for 3+ year old thoroughbreds. See below for the latest odds and post positions for the 2021 race:
Note: Odds provided by TVG
| Post | Horse | Odds | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essential Quality | 2/1 | TBD |
| 2 | Knicks Go | 3/1 | TBD |
| 3 | Medina Spirit | 5/1 | TBD |
| 4 | Hot Rod Charlie | 6/1 | TBD |
| 5 | Art Collector | 8/1 | TBD |
| 6 | Max Player | 8/1 | TBD |
| 7 | Stiletto Boy | 30/1 | TBD |
| 8 | Express Train | TBD | TBD |
| 9 | Tripoli | TBD | TBD |
The 14 Breeders’ Cup races, lineup and odds
The Breeders’ Cup races are run over two days, with the first five races on Day 1 (Friday) and the final nine, including the biggest races in the Turf and the Classic run on Day 2 (Saturday).
Below, you’ll find the entry conditions for each of the 14 races, as well as a series of “win and you’re in” races, giving the winners of the listed races automatic qualification. As you’ll see, the qualifying races take place all around the world, giving the Breeders’ Cup real international flavor.
Each race at the Breeders’ Cup has an upper limit of 14 runners, with other entrants into the race decided by a points system for graded stakes performances throughout the year and, finally, the judgment of a panel of racing experts.
The final two races of the event offer the largest prizes, with a $4 million purse on offer at the Breeders’ Cup Turf and a $6 million purse awarded at the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf
An American thoroughbred race for 2-year-old horses, it is run on grass over a distance of exactly 1 mile. The race has a purse of $1,000,000.
There are five automatic berths in the race given to winners of the following:
- Juvenile Turf Stakes at Leopardstown (Ireland)
- Summer Stakes at Woodbine (Toronto)
- Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket (England)
- Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
- Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp (France)
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
An American thoroughbred race for 2-year-old fillies is run on grass over a distance of exactly 1 mile. The race has a purse of $1,000,000.
There are five automatic berths in the race given to winners of the following:
- Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh (Ireland)
- Natalma Stakes at Woodbine (Toronto)
- Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket (England)
- Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp (France)
- Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint
An American thoroughbred race for 2-year-old horses is run on grass over a distance of 5.5 furlongs (11/16 of a mile). The race has a purse of $1,000,000.
There are four automatic berths in the race given to the following winners:
- Norfolk Stakes at Ascot (England)
- Belmont Futurity Stakes at Belmont (New York)
- Speakeasy Stakes at Santa Anita Park (California)
- Indian Summer Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-old horses and older is run on a dirt course over a distance of 1 mile. The race has a purse of $1,000,000.
There are two automatic berths in the race given to these winners:
- Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park (New York)
- Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack (California)
The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-old or older fillies and mares is run on a dirt course over a distance of 7/8 of a mile. The race has a purse of $1,000,000.
There are three automatic berths in the race given to these winners:
- Princess Rooney Handicap at Gulfstream Park (Florida)
- Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga Race Course (New York)
- Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-old horses and older is run on grass over a distance of 6.5 furlongs (13/16 of a mile). The race has a purse of $1,000,000.
There are five automatic berths in the race given to winners of the following:
- Jaipur International at Belmont Park (New York)
- Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (England)
- Nunthorpe Stakes at York (England)
- Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh (Ireland)
- Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama Racecourse (Japan)
The Breeders’ Cup Sprint
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-old horses and older is run on dirt over a distance of 6 furlongs (3/4 of a mile). The race has a purse of $2,000,000.
There are six automatic berths in the race given to winners of the following:
- Belmont Sprint Championship Stakes at Belmont Park (New York)
- Bing Crosby Handicap at Del Mar Racetrack (California)
- Forego Stakes at Saratoga (New York)
- Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park (New York)
- Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
- Santa Anita Sprint Championship at Santa Anita Park (California)
The Breeders’ Cup Mile
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-old horses and old is run on grass over a distance of a mile. The race has a purse of $2,000,000.
There are 10 automatic berths in the race given to these winners:
- L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate at Kenilworth (South Africa)
- Doncaster Mile Handicap at Randwick Racecourse (Australia)
- Gran Premio Club Hipico Falabella at Club Hipico (Chile)
- Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita Park (California)
- Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse (Japan)
- Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot (England)
- Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (England)
- Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville (France)
- Woodbine Mile at Woodbine (Toronto)
- Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland (Kentucky)
The Breeders’ Cup Distaff
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-old and older fillies and mares is run on dirt over a distance 9 furlongs (1 1/8 miles). The race has a purse of $2,000,000.
There are seven automatic berths in the race given to winners of the following:
- Gran Premio Criadores at Hipódromo de Palermo (Argentina)
- Ogden Phipps Stakes at Belmont Park (New York)
- Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs (Kentucky)
- Clement L. Hirsch Handicap at Del Mar Racetrack (California)
- Personal Ensign Handicap at Saratoga (New York)
- Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita Park (California)
- Spinster Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies
An American thoroughbred race for 2-year-old fillies is run on dirt over a distance 1 1/16 miles. The race has a purse of $2,000,000.
There are five automatic berths in the race given to winners of the following:
- Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga (New York)
- Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs (Kentucky)
- Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita Park (California)
- Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
- Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park (New York)
The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-old and older fillies and mares is run on grass over a distance 1.25 mile. The race has a purse of $2,000,000.
There are 10 automatic berths in the race given to winners of the following:
- Paddock Stakes at Kenilworth (South Africa)
- Queen of the Turf Stakes at Randwick Race Course (Australia)
- Gran Premio Pamplona at Hipódromo de Monterrico (Peru)
- Beverley D. Stakes at Arlington Park (Chicago)
- Yorkshire Oaks at York (England)
- Matron Stakes at Leopardstown (Ireland)
- Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita Park (California)
- Prix de L’Opera at Longchamp (France)
- First Lady Stakes at Keeneland (Kentucky)
- Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park (New York)
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
An American thoroughbred race for 2-year-old colts and geldings is run on dirt over a distance 1 1/16 of a mile. The race has a purse of $2,000,000.
There are four automatic berths in the race given to winners of:
- Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs (Kentucky)
- FrontRunner Stakes at Santa Anita Park (California)
- Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park (New York)
- Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland (Kentucky)
The Breeders’ Cup Turf
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-olds and older is run on grass over a distance 1.5 miles. The race has a purse of $4,000,000.
There are 11 automatic berths in the race given to these winners:
- Gran Premio 25 de Mayo at Hipódromo de San Isidro (Argentina)
- Grande Prêmio Brasil Hipódromo da Gávea at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot (England)
- Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin Racecourse (Japan)
- King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot (England)
- Arlington Million at Arlington Park (Illinois)
- Juddmonte International at York (England)
- Del Mar Handicap at Del Mar Racetrack (California)
- Sword Dancer Invitational at Saratoga Race Course (New York)
- Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown (Ireland)
- Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Park (New York)
The Breeders’ Cup Classic
An American thoroughbred race for 3-year-olds and older is run on dirt over a distance 1/4 miles. The race has a purse of $6,000,000.
There are seven automatic berths in the race given to these winners:
- February Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse (Japan)
- Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs (Kentucky)
- Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park (New Jersey)
- Whitney Handicap at Saratoga Race Course (New York)
- Pacific Classic at Del Mar Racetrack (California)
- Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita Park (California)
- Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park (New York)
Types of bets available on the Breeders’ Cup
With 14 races in two days, there are certainly lots of options out there when it comes to betting. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular bets you can enjoy:
Win
This is the most popular and straightforward wager of all. Put your cash down and cheer on your selection to hit the winning post first.
Place
The place bet is one where you’ll be cheering on your selection to finish first or second place. The payout is fixed whether the horse finishes in first or second. With double the chance, the payouts will be lower than the win bet.
Show
This time around, you’ll be hoping your selection finishes anywhere in the top three. The “show” payout will be lower than the “place.”
Exacta
For those who are a little more adventurous and are looking for a bigger win, the exacta might be a good choice. Aim to predict the first and second in the correct order.
Trifecta
For even more significant returns, pick the first, second and third when placing a trifecta bet.
Superfecta
This is the home-run wager, where you can expect some incredible payouts (especially if one or two long shots sneak in the mix). It’s a tough ask, however, as you’ll need to pick the first, second, third and fourth.
Below is the chart for the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Classic, won by racehorse Accelerate.
| Win | Place | Show | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First: Accelerate | $7.40 | $6.00 | $4.40 |
| Second: Gunnevera | $21.80 | 11.80 | |
| Third: Audible | $8.00 | ||
| Exacta | Trifecta | Superfecta | |
| $130.80 | $806.55 | $1,617.91 |
As you can see, the winning payout for Accelerate is the largest of the three, with diminishing returns had you placed a place or show bet. A place bet on racehorse Gunnevera paid out nearly double the amount of a show bet. As you would expect, the exacta, the trifecta and the superfecta payouts increase quite rapidly.
The ‘Grand Slam’ of US horse racing
Racing fans in the US have been fascinated for nearly a century by the Triple Crown, won by a horse that finished first in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
With the appearance of the Breeders’ Cup, there is now an unofficial “Grand Slam” in racing, which can be won by achieving the Triple Crown and then winning the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic race at the end of the year.
The only horse to have achieved this feat was American Pharoah in 2015, winning the Classic by a stunning 6.5 lengths, a fitting conclusion to a fantastic year.
In 2018, Justify was all set to aim for the Grand Slam until trainer Baffert noticed a slight filling on the ankle on the horse, which would ultimately see him retire to stud three months before the Breeders’ Cup.
The history of the Breeders’ Cup
The initial idea for the Breeders’ Cup was proposed at a luncheon for the Kentucky Derby Festival by pet food entrepreneur John R. Gaines, a leading thoroughbred owner.
Initially met with skepticism, the support of legendary trainers, such as John Nerud, gave the event some traction formed Breeders’ Cup Limited in 1982.
Initially, the Breeders’ Cup was a one-day event, with the first meeting taking place at Hollywood Park in 1984. In 2007, it was decided that the event would take place over two days, and the number of races was gradually increased over the years to the 14 it is today.
The event usually moves from track to track on an annual basis, although, in the past, there have been tracks which have hosted the event two or three times in a row.
The 2023 Breeders’ Cup host will be Del Mar.
Breeders’ Cup FAQ
Who are the most successful horses at the Breeders’ Cup?
In terms of prize money, Zenyatta is the most successful horse in the history of the series earning a total of $4.68 million. The incredible filly, who won 19 of 20 races in her career, raced three times at the Breeders’ Cup, winning the Distaff and the Classic while finishing second in the Classic in her final race.
Goldikova and Beholder are the only horses to have won three races at the Breeders’ Cup. Goldikova won the “Mile” in 2008, 2009 and 2010, while Beholder won the Juvenile Fillies in 2012 and the Distaff in 2013 and 2016.
Which jockey has had the most success at the Breeders’ Cup?
Legendary jockey Mike Smith who, in 2018, won the Triple Crown on Justify, is the all-time leading jockey in the Breeders’ Cup with an incredible tally of 26 wins.
This puts Smith 10 wins ahead of any other jockey. Italian Frankie Dettori is the leading non-US jockey, with a total of 14 wins in the Breeders’ Cup.
Two female jockeys have won races at the Breeders’ Cup: Julie Krone aboard Halfbridled, in 2003, and Rosie Napravnik aboard Shanghai Bobby, in 2012, and Untapable in 2014.
Which trainer has had the most success at the Breeders’ Cup?
US racing hall of fame inductee D. Wayne Lukas is the most successful trainer at the Breeders’ Cup with a total of 20 wins, his last win coming with thoroughbred Take Charge Brandi in the Juvenile Fillies race in 2014.
Despite Lukas being 83 years of age, there is no sign of him letting up just yet, so it wouldn’t be a major surprise if that number continues to rise. Bob Baffert, the trainer of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, is second on the all-time list with 15 wins.
What was the largest margin of victory in the Breeders’ Cup?
Racehorse Inside Information holds the record as the “easiest” winner of a Breeders’ Cup race. The talented filly lined up as 4/5 favorite in the 1995 Distaff and would ease up and take the lead 5/8 of a mile out.
There was no stopping her as she reached the home straight, storming past the finish line, having opened up a stunning lead of 13.5 lengths over nearest rival Heavenly Prize.
Who are the most successful nations in the Breeders’ Cup?
Horses from eight different nations have been successful in the Breeders’ Cup.
The US leads the way with an incredible 262 winners, well clear of second place Ireland with 31 winners. Great Britain is third with 20 winners, while France (7), Canada (6), Argentina (5) and Germany and Canada with a single win apiece completing the list.
Image credit: Frederic J. Brown / AP Getty, Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports