The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races that began in 1984. It stands as one of the richest and most prestigious events in horse racing, often seen as the “World Championships” of the sport. This two-day event features a variety of races for different classes and ages of horses, with significant prize money at stake.

The Breeders' Cup was conceived by John R. Gaines, a notable Thoroughbred owner and breeder. His vision was to create a year-end championship that would bring together the best horses from around the globe. Over the years, the Breeders' Cup has grown in size and prestige, now featuring 14 races with total purses and awards exceeding $31 million. The event rotates among various top-tier tracks in the United States, each bringing its own unique flavor and history to the championships.

The Breeders' Cup races are designed to test the abilities of the best Thoroughbreds across various distances, surfaces, and age groups. Here’s a detailed look at each race and the tracks that host them:

Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Surface: Dirt
Age: 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $6 million
Track: Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Santa Anita Park

The Classic is the crown jewel of the Breeders' Cup, often determining the Horse of the Year. It attracts the top horses from around the world and is known for its dramatic finishes. Iconic tracks like Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby), Keeneland, and Santa Anita Park have hosted this prestigious race, each adding their rich history to the event​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 1/2 miles
Surface: Turf
Age: 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $4 million
Track: Belmont Park, Del Mar, Keeneland

The Turf is the premier grass race of the Breeders' Cup, featuring elite turf horses. Tracks like Belmont Park and Del Mar, known for their lush turf courses, often host this race, providing a picturesque setting for this international contest​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 mile
Surface: Turf
Age: 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $2 million
Track: Santa Anita Park, Churchill Downs

The Mile is a fast-paced turf race that showcases speed and agility. It’s a favorite among fans for its competitive fields and exciting finishes. The lush turf tracks of Santa Anita and Churchill Downs provide the perfect venue for this thrilling race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 1/8 miles
Surface: Dirt
Age: Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $2 million
Track: Churchill Downs, Keeneland

Formerly known as the Ladies' Classic, the Distaff features the best female Thoroughbreds. The historic dirt tracks of Churchill Downs and Keeneland have hosted many memorable editions of this race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 6 furlongs
Surface: Dirt
Age: 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $2 million
Track: Belmont Park, Santa Anita Park

The Sprint is a high-speed dash that attracts the fastest horses in the world. It’s a test of pure speed and often results in photo finishes. Belmont Park and Santa Anita Park's dirt tracks provide the ideal setting for this electrifying race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Surface: Dirt
Age: 2-year-olds
Purse: $2 million
Track: Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park

The Juvenile is a key race for determining the early favorite for the next year's Kentucky Derby. It features the best 2-year-olds and is a predictor of future stars. The historic Churchill Downs and Santa Anita Park tracks have seen many future champions emerge from this race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Surface: Dirt
Age: 2-year-old fillies
Purse: $2 million
Track: Keeneland, Del Mar

This race showcases the top 2-year-old fillies, often highlighting future stars in the sport. Keeneland and Del Mar, with their excellent facilities and racing surfaces, are frequent hosts of this race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 3/8 miles
Surface: Turf
Age: Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $2 million
Track: Belmont Park, Santa Anita Park

The Filly & Mare Turf highlights the best female turf horses. It’s a race known for its competitive fields and international participants. Tracks like Belmont Park and Santa Anita Park provide a world-class turf experience for this race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 7 furlongs
Surface: Dirt
Age: Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $1 million
Track: Santa Anita Park, Churchill Downs

This race features the fastest female sprinters in the sport. It’s a showcase of speed and tactical racing. The dirt tracks of Santa Anita Park and Churchill Downs are perfect venues for this event​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 5 1/2 furlongs
Surface: Turf
Age: 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $1 million
Track: Del Mar, Keeneland

The Turf Sprint is a dash over the grass, testing the speed and agility of its competitors. Del Mar and Keeneland, known for their lush and well-maintained turf courses, often host this thrilling race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 mile
Surface: Turf
Age: 2-year-olds
Purse: $1 million
Track: Keeneland, Santa Anita Park

The Juvenile Turf features the best 2-year-old turf horses. It’s a race that highlights future stars on the grass. Keeneland and Santa Anita Park’s turf tracks provide an ideal setting for this race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 mile
Surface: Turf
Age: 2-year-old fillies
Purse: $1 million
Track: Belmont Park, Keeneland

This race showcases top 2-year-old fillies on the turf. It’s known for its competitive fields and international flavor. Belmont Park and Keeneland offer excellent turf facilities for this event​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 mile
Surface: Dirt
Age: 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $1 million
Track: Santa Anita Park, Churchill Downs

The Dirt Mile is a middle-distance race that combines speed and stamina. It attracts a mix of sprinters stretching out and routers cutting back in distance. The dirt tracks of Santa Anita Park and Churchill Downs are ideal for this versatile race​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

Distance: 1 3/4 miles
Surface: Dirt
Age: 3-year-olds and up
Purse: $200,000
Track: Santa Anita Park, Keeneland

This race is a test of endurance, often attracting horses that excel over longer distances. It’s a grueling race that highlights stamina and staying power. Santa Anita Park and Keeneland have the facilities to host this demanding event​ (Racing TV)​​ (GG)​.

The Breeders' Cup World Championships is more than just a series of races; it’s a celebration of the best in Thoroughbred racing. Each race offers something unique, testing different aspects of a horse’s abilities and providing thrilling spectacles for racing fans around the world. The historic and world-class tracks that host these events add to the grandeur and prestige of the Breeders' Cup.