For every horse racing enthusiast out there, the Breeders’ Cup is the most sought-after event throughout the year. The event was the brainchild of Breeders’ Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. Fast forward to 4 decades, the Grade I stakes holds significance unlike any other; inviting thoroughbreds from around the world to celebrate the best of horses in the industry.

The 2-day racing event is what Breeders’ Cup describes as the ‘Super Bowl’ of the horse racing world. The yearly event is all set to make a comeback for the year and celebrate its 40th edition. The best of the horses accumulated throughout the season will soon make a presence at one of California’s most prestigious venues. And as the dates near, here’s everything you will need to know to catch the most awaited racing of the year.

The event for every horse out there

When it first marked its beginning in 1984, the Breeders’ Cup was a one-day event through 2006. However, in 2007, the structure was changed to host the racing for 2 days attracting equestrians and horses from around the world. Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and 5 others competed in the event; reports breederscup.com. While the above list includes regions around the world, the US alone beats the number with participation from over 20 states across the country.

The entries for the race begin with the nominations. All horses have to be nominated in order to compete and will include a fee to ensure the eligibility of the horses. Other than direct entry, the organization has hosted numerous chances throughout the year to help horses earn spots. The first is by winning a Breeders? Cup Challenge race or ‘win and you’re in’. The second will be through a ranking system; based on the horses’ performance in races throughout the year.

The Breeders’ Cup hosted a total of 80 ‘Win and You’re In’ races throughout the year in the States and across 11 countries. With that in place, the race invites enthusiasts for 2 days filled with excitement and anticipation.

Most hyped two days of pure racing

The Cup will host a total of 14 races across two days. Each race will allow a maximum number of 14 horses and a chance to claim the title. The races will act as the World Championships of the industry and the equestrians will eye the title for themselves. Horses will be placed in varying categories spread across different fields of grass or dirt. Whatever the owners choose, by the end of the event, a total of $31 million will be distributed in prize money and awards; the highest will be $6 million Longines Classic.

The horses will also be adored with the traditions that the Cup follows: The winning horses will be decorated with a signature purple and gold flower garland comprised of Beauty Asters, Golden Asters, Cremons, and Cattleya Orchids, which are grown exclusively for the Breeders? Cup. Continuing further, the horses will be handed authentic bronze trophies of the original Torrie horse; a creation dating back to the 1580s.

As for the audience, the Breeders’ Cup puts forth not one but two signature cocktails; the Torrie Cup and the Garland. The enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a sip catching the intense races amidst a picturesque venue.

This year’s venue

The Breeders’ Cup will be back for the year on November 3rd and 4th at the notable racecourse of Santa Anita Park. This will be the record-breaking 11th time that the racing will be returning to the venue. Over the years, the course has hosted some of the most prominent races in history; including Santa Anita Derby, Handicap, and Olympics 1984.

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In the past the venue has stood witness to some iconic moments; from Zenyatta becoming the only filly to win the Breeders? Cup classic in 2009 to trainer Richard Mandella; winning four Breeders? Cup races in one afternoon. Santa Anita, decorated with the beautiful towering mountains of San Gabriel will look to provide more such moments as the world watches in anticipation.

Streaming services to look out for

NBC Sports will hold the major rights and requirements to cover the event. People can catch the race coverage and analysis on NBC TV and their website, NBCSports.com. The coverage will also be available on NBC Sports app and Peacock for people on the move. Other names include USA Network, FanDuel TV, the Breeders’ Cup app, and social media. Fans can also enjoy a more in-depth experience through their Virtual AR filters. The 2 days of the event will hold a set schedule divided into Juvenile and the rest.

Schedule for the Breeders’ Cup

The event on day 1 will start at 5 p.m. ET with Juvenile Turf Sprint for $1 Million and continue as below:

• Juvenile Fillies – 5:40 p.m. ET – $2 million purse
• Juvenile Fillies Turf – 6:20 p.m. ET – $1 million purse
• Juvenile 7:00 p.m. ET – $2 million purse
• Juvenile?Turf – 7:40 p.m. ET – $1 million purse

Day 2 will include 9 remaining races starting with Dirt Mile at 2:30 p.m. for a purse of $1 Million

• Filly and Mare Turf – 3:10 p.m. ET – $2 million purse
• Filly and Mare Sprint – 3:50 p.m. ET – $1 million purse
• Mile – 4:30 p.m. ET – $2 million purse
• Distaff – 5:10 p.m. ET – $2 million purse
• Turf – 5:50 p.m. ET? – $4 million purse
• Classic – 6:40 p.m. ET – $6 million purse
• Turf Sprint – 7:25 p.m. ET – $1 million purse
• Sprint – 8:00 p.m. ET? – $2 million purse

John Gaines, the visionary of the Breeders’ Cup aimed at bringing horses from around the world to answer one question “Who?s the best?” Over the first weekend of November, the industry will watch as his question will be answered for the year.

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