Most people have heard of the Kentucky Derby or the Triple Crown.
But what if we told you the real "World Championship" of horse racing happens every fall — at the Breeders' Cup World Championships?
Created in 1984, the Breeders' Cup has grown into the richest, most global, and most prestigious event in the sport. It gathers the world's best horses, trainers, and jockeys in a two-day celebration of speed, skill, and heart.
The Breeders' Cup was the vision of John R. Gaines, a leading Thoroughbred owner and breeder.
He wanted a true year-end competition where North American champions would face the best horses from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Today, the event features 14 races with over $31 million in purses and awards.
Unlike the Kentucky Derby and other Triple Crown races, the Breeders' Cup welcomes horses aged three years and up, creating a broader and more competitive field.
This allows horses to mature and improve, with legends like Tiznow winning the Classic two years in a row in 2000 and 2001.
The series rotates among America’s top tracks, including Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Santa Anita Park, and Del Mar, bringing local character and historic prestige to each edition.
The Breeders' Cup is international at its core.
Thanks to the "Win and You're In" series, horses from Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond earn automatic entries by winning qualifying races.
This global approach ensures fields filled with elite international talent, making the championships feel more like a true global showdown than any other horse racing event.
While many recognize the Kentucky Derby for its fame, the Breeders' Cup offers even greater prize money:
| Race | Purse |
|---|---|
| Breeders' Cup Classic | $6–7 million |
| Breeders' Cup Turf | $4 million |
| Breeders' Cup Distaff | $2 million |
| Other Championship Races | $1–2 million each |
The total purse exceeds $30 million — larger than the combined purses of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes.
Even the Saudi Cup, although rich individually, does not match the Breeders' Cup's tradition, depth, and impact.
And many more thrilling races across different categories and surfaces.
Throughout its history, the Breeders' Cup has delivered unforgettable performances:
These moments have helped define the very best in horse racing.
The Breeders' Cup is more than just a series of high-stakes races.
It is a celebration of the best the sport has to offer, where champions rise, underdogs surprise, and every moment counts.
Fans can enhance their experience with Official Ticket Packages from Breeders’ Cup Experiences, which offer:
Be part of the history and excitement at the most prestigious event in Thoroughbred racing.
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred races featuring the best horses from around the globe, competing for over $30 million in total prizes.
The Kentucky Derby is limited to three-year-old horses, while the Breeders' Cup welcomes horses aged three and up, creating broader, more competitive fields.
The event rotates among major U.S. racetracks such as Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Santa Anita Park, and Del Mar.
The Classic, Turf, Sprint, and Juvenile are considered the highlight races during the two-day festival.
Through the "Win and You're In" qualifying races held worldwide, the Breeders' Cup draws top competitors from Europe, Asia, and South America, ensuring a truly international competition.
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