The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is an annual series of Grade I Thoroughbred horse races, operated by Breeders’ Cup Limited. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; but starting in 2007, the racing event expanded to two days. Historically, the location of the Breeders’ Cup changes every year. All sites have been in the U.S, except in 1996, when the races were held at the Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario, Canada.

Considered by many as the “World Championship” of thoroughbred horse racing, the annual Breeders’ Cup trails only the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes & Belmont Stakes. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is considered the “main event”.

Often, the winner goes on to win U.S. Horse of the Year honors, as have the four winners of the race between 2004 and 2007—respectively Ghostzapper, Saint Liam, Invasor, and Curlin. Thee race is notoriously hard to predict due to the high quality of the participating horses. One notable example of an underdog winning the Classic is the victory of Arcangues in 1993. This was the biggest upset in Breeders’ Cup history and his $269.20 payoff for a $2 wager remains a Breeders’ Cup record

Past and Future Breeders’ Cup Sites:

• 2021: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
• 2020: Keeneland
• 2019: Santa Anita Park
• 2018: Churchill Downs
• 2017: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
• 2016: Santa Anita Park
• 2015: Keeneland
• 2014: Santa Anita Park
• 2013: Santa Anita Park[39]
• 2012: Santa Anita Park
• 2011: Churchill Downs
• 2010: Churchill Downs
• 2009: Santa Anita Park
• 2008: Santa Anita Park

Most Wins and Earnings

• Breeders’ Cup Wins – Jockey:

  Mike Smith – 22

  Jerry Bailey – 15

  John R. Velazquez and Garrett K. Gomez - 13 each

• Repeat Winners

  Classic: Tiznow (2000, 2001)

  Filly & Mare Turf: Ouija Board (2004, 2006)

  Dirt Mile: Goldencents (2013, 2014)

  Distaff: Bayakoa (1989, 1990), Royal Delta (2011, 2012)

• Largest Margins of Victory

  13.5 lengths: 1995 Distaff

  10 lengths: 2006 Juvenile