Prepare yourself for an immersive exploration of the captivating world of horse racing as we anticipate the commencement of the 40th edition of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. This two-day spectacle, scheduled for Nov. 3-4, 2023, at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., is not just any horse racing event; it’s a tapestry of thrilling races, vibrant festivities, and delightful camaraderie that unites fans around the globe.
So, tighten your saddles as we journey back to the early 1980s, a time when a Hollywood star resided in the White House, television was a simpler affair, and gasoline was barely over a dollar per gallon, to unfold intriguing facts about this extraordinary equine extravaganza. Let’s get started!
1. John Gaines: Recognized as the Founding Father of the Breeders’ Cup
Gaines, owner of the renowned Gainesway Farm in Lexington, is the visionary who conceived the idea of a world championship series for Thoroughbreds. Known to many as the founding father of the Breeders’ Cup, Gaines was motivated by a dual ambition.
Gaines sought to elevate the sport of Thoroughbred racing through a marquee fall event, complementing the famed Spring/Summer Triple Crown, and also to reinforce the bond between the racing industry and the breeders. Gaines unveiled his groundbreaking concept at a luncheon just before the 1982 Kentucky Derby.
Despite the initial skepticism, Gaines’ persuasive abilities won over industry leaders, and barely three years later, on Nov. 10, 1984, the inaugural Breeders’ Cup was held at Hollywood Park in California. This event was attended by a crowd of 64,254 horse racing enthusiasts and watched by a national audience on NBC, marking the start of a new chapter in the history of Thoroughbred racing.
2. Two-Day Event: Boosting Betting and Fan Appeal
In an audacious move designed to amplify the fan appeal and entice more betting, the Breeders’ Cup officials decided to extend the event into a two-day spectacle in 2007. This inaugural Friday-Saturday schedule was held at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Since then, the event’s structure has been fine-tuned several times.
Presently, the World Championships are split into a “Future Stars Friday,” featuring five exciting races dedicated to 2-year-old horses, and a “Super Saturday,” flaunting nine Breeders’ Cup races for horses aged three and older. This change has not only increased the event’s duration but also amplified the betting experience – a fact evidenced by the record-breaking figures from the past years.
Last year’s Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland generated a staggering global wagering pool of $189.06 million, setting a new record in the Breeders’ Cup’s history and surpassing the previous record of $182.9 million set in 2021. So, when you’re ready to bet Breeders’ Cup with TVG, you’re not just placing a wager; you’re participating in a global celebration of equine excellence.
3. California: Hosting Leader of the Breeders’ Cup with 16 Events Soon
California holds the distinction of being the hosting leader of the Breeders’ Cup, with a total of 16 events soon to be under its belt. The state’s love affair with the Breeders’ Cup started in 1984 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood. This prestigious venue hosted the Cup three times before it closed in 2013 to make way for today’s SoFi Stadium.
Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, a city that has cultivated deep roots in horse racing, holds the record for hosting the Breeders’ Cup the most – a whopping 10 times and counting. This year, the venerable venue will add another feather to its cap as it gears up to host the 40th annual event.
California’s coastal gem, Del Mar, situated just two hours south of Los Angeles and 30 minutes north of San Diego on I-40, is not far behind with a growing reputation as an esteemed Breeders’ Cup host. The town held its first Breeders’ Cup in 2017 and recently hosted its second in 2021.
4. Non-North American Horses: 35 Wins in 39 Breeders’ Cup Events
As we highlight the global appeal of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, it is essential to recognize the significant contributions of non-North American horses to the event’s rich tapestry of achievements. Out of 39 Breeders’ Cup events, 35 have seen foreign horses emerge victorious, underscoring the true international allure of these races.
This trend began in 1984, the inaugural year of the Breeders’ Cup, and has persisted over the years, with only four exceptions (1989, 1992, 1998, and 2007). In general, the most successful foreign horses have hailed from Europe, particularly excelling on the turf tracks. However, the 2021 championships at Del Mar created quite a stir, featuring two Japan-based winners, Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine, who triumphed on both turf and dirt tracks.
The record for the most foreign-based winners at a single Breeders’ Cup event is held at six, a feat achieved in 2009 and 2020, emphasizing this prestigious horse racing event’s global reach and competitive spirit.
5. Record of Three Breeders’ Cup Wins Held by Two Hall of Fame Racemares
The record for winning three Breeders’ Cup races is held by two illustrious Hall of Fame race mares, Goldikova and Beholder. Goldikova, an Irish-bred, European-based turf star, sailed to the Breeders’ Cup four years in a row from 2008 to 2011. She triumphed in the Breeders’ Cup Mile for three consecutive years (2008-2010) with her exceptional stretch rallies. However, her attempt for a fourth consecutive win fell short in 2011, resulting in one of the most thrilling races in the event’s history. Goldikova was voted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2017.
Beholder, based in California and trained by the renowned Richard Mandella, achieved her three wins despite significant interruptions in her career. She clinched the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at age 2, followed by the Distaff at age 3. After a hiatus due to injuries, Beholder returned at age 6 to secure another Distaff win. Her final victory in 2016, beating Songbird, is considered one of the most exciting races in Breeders’ Cup history. Beholder joined Goldikova in the Racing Hall of Fame in 2022.
Conclusion
The Breeders’ Cup holds a unique and invaluable place in the global horse racing community, with its wide array of races, impressive betting opportunities, and numerous record-breaking feats over the years. The event’s adaptability to change, demonstrated by the switch to a two-day format, has helped to maintain its appeal to fans and bettors alike.
Additionally, the international participation underscores the Breeders’ Cup’s global reach and allure. The inclusion of non-North American horses has not only enriched the competition but also highlighted the universal appeal of horse racing. The extraordinary achievements of race mares like Goldikova and Beholder further testify to the diversity and excitement permeating this event.
As we look forward to future Breeders’ Cup races, we can expect this prestigious event to continue showcasing the best of international horse racing while creating unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide.
