Breeders' Cup Q&A

Please see below the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the Breeders' Cup.

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1. What is the Breeders' Cup?

   The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual championship event for Thoroughbred horse racing. It features the top horses from around the world competing in a series of elite Grade 1 races on dirt and turf surfaces. The event began in 1984 and is often considered horse racing's year-end world championship.

2. When is the Breeder' Cup held?

   The Breeders' Cup is usually held over two days in late October or early November, In 2026, it is scheduled for October 30-31.

3. Where is the Breeders' Cup this year?

   The 2026 Breeders' Cup will be held in Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky. The event rotates among major racetracks in North America each year.

4. How many races are in the Breeders' Cup?

   There are currently 14 championship races spread across the two-day event. These include divisions for sprinters, turf horses, juveniles, fillies, and older horses.

   

5. What is the Breeders' Cup Classic?

   The Breeders' Cup Classic is the events marquee race and one of the richest races in the world. It is run on dirt over 1 1/4 miles and usually features the best older horses competing for a purse of around $7 million. Winning the Classic often determines Horse of the Year honours.

6. How do horses qualify for the Breeders' Cup?

   Horses mainly qualify through the "Win and You're In" challenge series, championship points and rankings and selection by a panel if races are oversubscribed. Each race has a limited field size, so not every nominated horse gets in automatically.

7. Which horses are favourites in the Breeders' Cup?

   Favourites change throughout the season based on prep races, injuries, and post positions. Odds finalised closer to race weekend after entries and draws are announced. Typically, winners of major prep races and "Win and You're In" events become the betting favourites.

8. What channel broadcasts the Breeders' Cup?

   In the United States, the Breeders' Cup is typically broadcast on NBC Sports and streamed on Peacock. International coverage varies by country and platform. In the UK, channels such as Sky Sports, ITV4 and Racing TV all broadcast the Breeders' Cup, along with ITVX, Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV streaming it.

9. What is the dress code for the Breeders' Cup?

   There is no strict universal dress code, but attire if generally upscale race-day fashion. For women, dresses, hats, fascinators. For men, suits, sport coats or smart casual attire.

10. Which racetracks host the Breeders' Cup?

    The Breeders' Cup rotates among major racetracks in the United States and occasionally Canada. Some tracks host more frequently because they have the facilities, accommodations, and racing surfaces suited for international championship racing. Notable host race tracks include: Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Racetrack, Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park and Woodbine Racetrack. Among these, Santa Anita Park has hosted the Breeders' Cup the most times.