Breeders’ Cup 2023: Racing’s Grand Spectacle Returns

The Breeders’ Cup is set to return this November 3 & 4, 2023. Fans anticipate the exciting on-track and off-track actions during the two-day horseracing spectacle. Many look forward to celebrity sightings, delectable cursing, and fashionable attire worn by the esteemed attendees during the Breebers’ Cup 2023.

Most importantly, trainers, owners, jockeys, and thoroughbred horses are mostly excited about the World Championships, the conclusion event of the Breeders’ Cup. Over two days, fourteen races will be hosted, featuring the toughest thoroughbreds of their time. More than these, let us delve into what this year’s Breeders’ Cup can offer to fans worldwide.

Schedule and Streaming

The two-day racing event will be televised on Peacock, NBC, FanDuel TV, and USA Network. FanDuel TV and USA Network will cover the first day of the World Championship. USA Network will televise the event from 4:00-8:00 pm ET, covering all five Breeders’ Cup races and one undercard race. It will also televise the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at 7:40 p.m. ET.
On November 4, USA Network will continue to cover the race’s second day from 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET. It will be followed by an extended 3.5 hours of live programming from 3:30-7 p.m. ET through NBC and Peacock. The coverage will be concluded with the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic where you can finally witness if your breeders cup predictions have manifested.

The Venue

The 40th running of the World Championships will be hosted at Santa Anita Park, which has witnessed many of the memorable moments of the Breeders’ Cup in history. It has hosted the event more than any race track. In 2016, the venue also hosted the largest two-day attendance in history, with 118,484 fans in attendance. It was also in 2016 when Santa Anita hosted the races for the ninth time, making it the most frequent host for the said event.
For the record, Santa Anita was the site of the Breeders’ Cup for the 11th time in 2023. The previous ones were in 1986, 1993, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2019.

The Races

The fastest and most vigorous thoroughbreds are expected to compete in this year’s Breeders Cup. With 14 Breeders Cup races, there are many actions to anticipate and some surprising moments to remember.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

The Breeders’ Cup Classic 2023 will be competed in an 11/4 mile distance on dirt this November 4. The purse for this race amounts to $6,000,000. It is limited to fourteen starters, composed of male and female horses three years old and older.
This year, Archangelo, Geaux Rocket Ride, and Arabian Knight might all be in the running for the top spot.

Breeders’ Cup Turf

Run in 11/2 miles on turf, the Breeders’ Cup Turf is expected to attract horses from other countries. With a $4,000,000 purse, the race draws in top racers from Europe and North America. Equinox, Mostahdaf, and Auguste Rodin are the toughest runners among the confirmed starters.

Breeders’ Cup Mile

Competed in the 1-mile distance on turf, the Breeders’ Cup mile features the world’s top grass milers, three years old and older. It projects a $2,000,000 purse, inviting all qualified male and female horses worldwide.
Turf racing superstars like French-trained mare Goldikova historically won the Mile in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

With an official distance of seven furlongs on dirt, the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint attracts the fastest three-year-old and older female horses worldwide. The race offers a $1,000,000 purse to the best female sprinters in the race. It is known as the richest race for female sprinters in North America.

Breeders’ Cup Distaff

With a $2,000,000 purse, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff assembles three-year-old or older female dirt horses for a race at 1 1/8 miles. The current favorites in the Distaff are Nest, Idiomatic, and Adare Manor.

Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf

The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf is the youngest Breedest Cup race. Its first season happened in 2008. It is run over 11/4 miles on turf with a purse amounting to $2,000,000.
For the record, more than half of the winners of this race aren’t from North America, so it’s best to keep an eye on international contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

This is the dirt equivalent of the Breeders’ Cup Mile, competed on turf. With a $1,000,000 purse, the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile draws in the best three-year-olds against the best seasoned milers.

Final Thoughts

We have less than two months before the kickoff of the Breeders’ Cup 2023. With this guide, we hope you will know what to expect, whether watching from home or attending the racing spectacle at Santa Anita. It is the 40th run of the Breeders’ Cup, and you wouldn’t want to miss any action in the fourth decade of the World Championship.