The Breeders’ Cup

Since the inaugural running at Hollywood Park 27 years ago, the Breeders' Cup has established itself as the season-ending championship of thoroughbred racing. Through the years, the Breeders’ Cup has grown from a 7-race, $10 million day, to a 15- race, $26 million extravaganza, held over two days, and encompassing almost every division of the sport. The purses for the Championship races are funded by worldwide nomination from the industry’s thoroughbred breeders. This year horses were able to earn automatic starting positions into Championships races through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, a series of 68 stakes races held worldwide.