Nov. 5 & 6 | Del Mar
Nov. 5 & 6 | Del Mar
- Races
Longines Classic
The Breeders' Cup Classic, run at 1 1/4 miles, draws the top international Thoroughbreds year after year. - Results
- BCBC
- History & Tradition
Hall of Champions
Since 1984, the world's finest thoroughbreds have competed in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a place in history.
Event by Year
See everything from race replays to handle and weather from every Championship since 1984.
Breeding & Nominations
The breeding industry is the cornerstone of the Breeders’ Cup program, the very foundation of our Championships and Challenge series. - Tickets
- Tickets
- About
What is Breeders' Cup?
Each racing season ends with just one finish line: the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Global Competition
The Breeders' Cup attracts competition from around the globe including the top talent from 6 continents and over 16 countries.
Father of the Cup
Thirty seven years ago the visionary John Gaines hatched a plan. His vision? The Breeders’ Cup World Championships. - News
Our Commitment
Our Commitment
Breeders' Cup Limited is committed to maintaining the highest equine welfare and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and its participants.
Integrity, Safety & Security
At the Breeders' Cup, the safety of our athletes, equine and human, is our foremost priority.
That's why we have the highest safety, integrity and testing standards of any racing event in North America. Our safety and security protocols include pre- and post- race testing, including out-of-competition testing for prohibited substances; comprehensive prohibitions on anabolic steroids and other controlled substances; a 24 hour equine security watch beginning 72 hours from post time and periodic inspections/testing of all racing surfaces prior to the event. We also employ top equine regulatory vets from the US and Europe to inspect runners on-site throughout the week leading up to the event.
In cooperation with the California Horse Racing Board, the 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will feature the most up-to-date medication practices, testing protocols, equine security programs, veterinary exams, injury management protocols and race surface testing.
Learn more about what the Breeders' Cup does to reduce risk and protect our participants below.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
The Breeders' Cup implemented key measures for the 2020 World Championships to protect our participants and essential staff. Our protocols for the 2021 World Championships will be announced closer to the event, but will closely follow requirements by the CDC, the State of California, and our own health expert for guidance, Dr. Richard Greenberg MD, Infectious Disease Specialist.
A Closer Look at Breeders' Cup Safety Protocols
The Breeders' Cup has the highest safety, integrity and testing standards of any racing event in North America. Our safety and security protocols include pre- and post- race testing, including out-of-competition testing for prohibited substances; comprehensive prohibitions on anabolic steroids and other controlled substances; a 24 hour equine security watch beginning 72 hours from post time and periodic inspections/testing of all racing surfaces prior to the event.
Surface Maintenance & Technology
The main track at Del Mar is a natural dirt track that is a combination of several types of dirt and sand. In order to ensure the safest track conditions for the athletes, surface specialists use a number of maintenance techniques depending on weather conditions.
Breeders' Cup Vet Examinations
All runners around the world undergo blood and hair follicle testing and multiple veterinary examinations before they are allowed to participate in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Thoroughbred Safety Coalition
The nation’s leading Thoroughbred racing organizations have announced the creation of an industry-led effort to unify and enhance existing protections and work together to develop new reforms to ensure the safety of the sport’s equine and human athletes.