The Breeders Cup is an annual event held in November offering whopping prize purses totaling approximately $30m. The 2023 edition, held at Santa Anita Park is the 40th running of the event.
This top horse racing event has grown from a one-day, seven-race event into a two-day, 14-race extravaganza. The Breeders’ Cup starts proceedings with Future Stars Friday, which showcases horse racing’s brightest rising stars.
Championship Saturday awards $21 million in purses and awards over nine races, culminating in the defining event of the international racing season – the $6 Million Breeders’ Cup Classic.
View the race schedule and the latest odds for the 2022 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland, Lexington, Kentucky.
Common types of bet at the Breeders Cup – Straight Bets
In horse racing, a straight bet is a bet on a single horse to win, place, or show. Here are the three types of straight bets in horse racing which are commonly placed at the Breeders Cup:
Win: This is a bet on a horse to finish first in a Breeders Cup race.
Place: This is a bet on a horse to finish either first or second in the race.
Show: This is a bet on a horse to finish either first, second, or third in the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Breeders Cup?
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Grade I Thoroughbred horse races organized by Breeders' Cup Limited, established in 1982.
How much is the prize money at the Breeders Cup?
With almost $30 million in purses and awards paid out throughout the weekend, the Breeders' Cup is one of the richest two days in sports. Owners, stallion nominators, and foal nominators all receive payouts. Owners decide how they want to split their winnings with their trainer and jockey.
What is the purse distribution for Breeders' Cup races?
Percentage of prize distribution:
1st - 52.0%
2nd - 17.0%
3rd - 9.0%
4th - 5.0%
5th - 3.0%
6th - 2.0%
7th - 1.0%
8th - 1.0%
9th - 1.0%
10th - 1.0%
Travel Awards8.0%
*Travel awards: $10,000 is awarded to non-California starters based in North America and $40,000 is awarded to all overseas starters outside of North America.