10 Fun Facts About The Breeders’ Cup®
By Kristen Doolan | February 07, 2022
Held each year in November, The Breeders’ Cup World Championships® brings excitement and thrill to horse racing. Rotating venues each year, the race will be held for a record eleventh time at Santa Anita Park in 2023. With rich history from thoroughbreds to crowing victors in a flower garland, here are some facts that will give you a better insight into what The Breeders’ Cup® is all about.
- The first running of The Breeders’ Cup World Championships took place in 1984 and was a single-day event. The race wasn’t expanded into a two-day event until 2007.
- All racetracks to hold The Breeders’ Cup have been within the United States, except in 1996, when it was hosted by Canada at the Woodbine Racetrack.
- The total purse for the 2018 Breeders' Cup Classic totaled $6 million.
- Tiznow is the only horse to win The Breeders’ Cup Classic at least twice (2000, 2001).
- The United States has produced the most Breeders’ Cup winners, followed by Ireland and Great Britain.
- Santa Anita Park has hosted The Breeders’ Cup World Championships the most times at 10, with Churchill Downs at second with 9 stints as host.
- The Jockey with the most Breeders’ Cup wins is Mike Smith, with 26, while the Trainer with the most wins is D. Wayne Lukas, with 20.
- Only 14 starters are allowed for each race within The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, except the Dirt Mile, which is narrowed down to 12 starters.
- America Pharaoh was the first Triple Crown™ victor since the inception of the Breeders’ Cup and thus claimed the first Grand Slam Victory. (Triple Crown™ and Breeders’ Cup® Classic)
- The fastest time ever run in the Classic is 1:59.02, a feat accomplished by Ghostzapper in 2004.
Attend The 2023 Breeders’ Cup®
Be at Santa Anita Park for the 2023 Breeders' Cup with an Official Ticket Package from Breeders' Cup Experiences. Packages include a 2-Day ticket, exclusive extras, the option to add travel and lodging accommodations and much more!