Breeders' Cup 2018 Results & Recap
By Evan Chronis | November 05, 2018
As we return from a wild weekend of racing at Churchill Downs®, one thing is certain — the Breeders' Cup® 2018 did not disappoint.
Let's start with the biggest takeaway from the weekend. In the premiere race of the event, Horse of the Year contender Accelerate jolted past the competition to finish first in the Breeders' Cup Classic. The win ends a stellar 2018 campaign for Accelerate, and gives him a valid argument for Horse of the Year over Justify. While Accelerate came in as the favorite, his victory came somewhat as a surprise — the favorite doesn't have a great history in the Classic.
We also got a glimpse of next year's Kentucky Derby® contenders with the running of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. The best two-year olds in the world went to battle on the track, with Game Winner coming out on top and cementing himself as one of the favorites for next year's Derby on the same track.
But what was it like to attend the 2018 Breeders' Cup with Breeders' Cup Experiences? Let's take a look:
Premium Hospitality Spaces at Churchill Downs
Our premium hospitality venues were a hit at Churchill Downs this year. These spaces gave our guests the chance to relax and have a good meal while also watching the day's action on the myriad of closed-circuit TVs around each one of our hospitality areas. Our guests arrived early on Friday and Saturday to fill up on food and then headed over to the wagering stations to prepare their bets for the races throughout the day. One of the cool things about our hospitality is that you could wager on races around the world (not just taking place at the Breeders' Cup) and we had all of the big races around the globe playing throughout the day on the TVs.
Meet & Greet With Jockey Aaron Gryder
Veteran Jockey Aaron Gryder joined us in The Loft at Aristides Lounge on Saturday! Gryder is a famed jockey with over $100,000,000 in winnings and 3,000 career wins to his name. His past victories include the $6-million Dubai World Cup and the Breeders' Cup Marathon.
Gryder went around and introduced himself to every single guest in The Loft at Aristides Lounge, answering anyone's questions and taking time for multiple photos with everyone at the tables. He even watched along with our guests as some of the races ran.
2 Days of Action Packed Breeders' Cup Racing
This is where the action is. Breeders' Cup weekend wouldn't be anything without the races taking place throughout the two days, and this year's slew brought the action. As races ran throughout the day, you could feel the buzz any time the horses were about to line up. Our guests would head to the best viewpoint and secure their spots for the ultimate vantage point of the track. As the sprints started, the hooting and hollering began. Whether you have a favorite horse running or your money is on the line, there's not much that beats the few minutes of action during a race at Churchill Downs. The emotion from our guests was intoxicating, making it a thrill every time you knew a race was forthcoming.
These pictures are from the view in the Skye Terrace.
Delectable Food in Hospitality
I mentioned the food earlier, but sometimes you have to see something to believe it. Our guests were treated to some delectable treats throughout the weekend, including hand-carved turkey and steak, multiple salad options, vegetable medleys and a rotating selection of delicious desserts — including Derby pie!
Official Ticket Packages for the Breeders' Cup 2019!
The World Championships of Thoroughbred Racing is returning to Santa Anita next year, and you can join in on the ride! With an Official Ticket Package from Breeders' Cup Experiences, you can enjoy the action of the biggest racing weekend of the year in style. Join our wait list today for more information!