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Beginner’s Guide to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships! As the pinnacle of global horse racing, this event is akin to the Super Bowl but for the equestrian world. Celebrating its 41st anniversary, it all began in 1984 at Hollywood Park. If you’re joining for the first time, buckle up for an exciting ride—we’ve got all the essential insights and details lined up for you below!

Who: The Top Thoroughbred Racehorses in the World

The Breeders’ Cup isn’t just any horse racing event; it’s a two-day showdown featuring the sport’s crème de la crème from around the globe. Picture an exciting collage of races where horses from six continents—like Japan’s finest or Argentina’s champions—compete on a single stage, making it an unmatched racing spectacle.

What: Showdown of Speed, Strength, and Stamina

Each race in the Breeders’ Cup is carefully designed to test the unique talents of elite horses, providing thrilling contests that reward more than just purse money. Victors often gain prestigious year-end awards, and their breeding value significantly increases, securing bragging rights for owners and trainers who have dedicated years to achieving success.

When: November 1-2

Get ready to mark your calendars! This year’s Breeders’ Cup unfolds over two thrilling days, Nov. 1 and 2. Traditionally held on the first weekend of November, this schedule allows top Thoroughbreds to qualify amid the vibrant racing seasons of spring, summer, and fall, ensuring only the best compete.

Where: Del Mar, Calif.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, fondly known as “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” is the perfect venue for the Breeders’ Cup. Hosting for the third time in 2024, Del Mar promises thrilling races and mesmerizing views, following successful events in 2017 and 2021.

Why: Best in Horse Racing

The Breeders’ Cup was born out of a vision to crown the best Thoroughbred in the world. Kentucky breeders, led by John Gaines, dreamed of an international spectacle that would settle racing rivalries in grand style. Since its inception at Hollywood Park in 1984, this exhilarating event evolved into a 14-race festival across two days. Here, champions from different continents converge, creating an electrifying fusion of cultures and racing prowess.

How: Qualification and Betting

For a Thoroughbred to compete in the Breeders’ Cup, they must first be nominated, with foals eligible before Oct. 15 of their birth year for a $400 fee. This nomination secures their participation eligibility once they reach racing age. If this window is missed, owners have the option to supplement their racehorse by paying a scaled fee, which varies by the horse’s age and nomination status of their sire.

You, as a watcher, can either enjoy as a spectator or bet on Breeders Cup through multiple channels, such as online platforms, simulcast facilities, and racetracks themselves.

What to Expect in 2024

Anticipate a thrilling experience at Del Mar, a fan-favorite racetrack in North America, which is readying a mix of luxury access and general admission for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup. With plans to maintain a capped attendance like in 2021, you’re promised an atmosphere that balances exclusivity with inclusivity. Dive into various ticket options, ensuring experiences suited for all, from VIP exclusives to more accessible packages. Visit the official Breeders’ Cup site to secure your spot today. Expect top horses like Sierra Leone, Forever Young, Fierceness, and Seize the Grey to compete for the ultimate prize.

The Breeders’ Cup is rich with unique traditions that add to its allure. Picture the victorious horse, proudly adorned with a stunning purple and gold garland of hand-crafted flowers, each specially grown for this event. Since 1988, winners have basked in this floral glory. Alongside, the iconic trophy—a bronze replica of Giovanni da Bologna’s 16th-century Torrie horse—serves as a storied prize, symbolizing triumph and prestige. Every year, a larger version journeys to the host track, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Unlike other major horse racing events, the Breeders’ Cup boasts two signature cocktails—the Torrie Cup and the Garland. Celebrating the spirit of the event, the Torrie Cup combines the richness of Maker’s Mark Bourbon with a sweet hint of vermouth, complemented by refreshing orange juice and lemonade. Meanwhile, the Garland, with its vodka base, delivers a zesty twist of triple sec, honey-green tea, and lemon juice. Raise a glass to these iconic concoctions!

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