Every year, as the thoroughbred horse racing season comes to an end, the Breeder’s Cup World Championships makes its presence felt to give horse racing fans and experts one last eventful two-day event.
Operated by Breeder’s Cup Limited since 1984, the two day, 14 race event brings together the best horses, jockeys, trainers and owners from around the world for one purpose only, the bragging rights of being called the Breeder’s Cup World Champions.
While the actual event is still a few months away, Breeder’s Cup Odds makers are already hard at work mapping out which horses and trainers could come out on top as champions come race time. For now, though, let’s talk a bit about what the biggest culmination event of the horse racing season is all about and what fans can expect.
How Is The Breeder’s Cup Ran?
The Breeder’s Cup World Championships is an annual two-day event consisting of not just horse racing per se. This event has become one of the top socialite events in the sporting industry with fashion, celebrities, concerts, shows and top class food and drinks all coming together around 14 of the best horse races in the world. Trainers from almost 20 countries around the world, expanding presence from 6 continents gather in the United States for a chance to be crowned the true world champions in all of the 14 divisions that make up the championship event.
The 2021 edition of the Breeder’s Cup World Championships will be run in the historic Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego California between November 5th and November 6th . This will make it the second time this championship series is hosted at the iconic Southern California horse racing venue.
After having the 2020 edition of the championship being run without fans in attendance due to the hardship endured by the global Covid-19 pandemic, organizers are thrilled to be able to welcome fans back to the stands. With a promise of delivering another world-class experience like it’s been the usual with this spectacle and while respecting all health and safety protocols for fans, athletes and participants, the organizers are ready to bring back one of the biggest events in the horseracing world with all the glitz, glam and immense money purses that are awarded to each division winner as well as the top classic winner.
In Order To Race, Horses and Riders Must Earn Their Spots
While the Breeder’s Cup usually brings together the best horses, jockeys and trainers from around the world, this is by no means an invitational event. Basically if you want to race, you have to earn your spot in prior qualifying races. The 15th annual Breeder’s Cup Challenge Series consists of 84 qualifying stakes races with events in many of the world’s best racetracks in countries like Argentina, Canada, Chile, England, Ireland, France, Japan, South Africa, Peru and the US. Winners of the races from around the world will receive an automatic invitation to the World Championships in Del Mar.
In a change to freshen up the competitive status and make the event that much more appealing a record of nine “Win and You’re In” modality races will be run in 10 different countries for the Longines Breeders Cup Classic Division $6 million prize. In total 84 stakes represent 84 spots for horse racing teams looking to bring their best horses and trainers to Del Mar racetrack in early November.
A Win At The World Championships Equals Gigantic Earnings
The Breeder’s Cup World Championships is not just an over the top luxurious racing event, it’s also a place where serious money can be made. Be it from the purses managed for every race with the total prize money being around $31 million dollars in total for the 2021 edition.
While the first day of the races is more about show and recognition it is on “Championship Saturday” where everything truly goes down. Held as one of the richest days in the horseracing calendar, Nov. 6th will see over $22 million in prize money awarded to 9 different races. It’s with the last race, the Breeder’s Cup Classic where the biggest prize is awarded with a $6 million prize awaiting the winner, not a bad day at the horse races whatsoever.
