“1998: Awesome Again (outside) Lands Classic against awesome field” made the Fan Top 40 Moments. (Photo courtesy of Breeders’ Cup)
Historic victories by Wild Again, Zenyatta, American Pharoah among favorites selected by voters ahead of 40th running of Breeders’ Cup World Championships
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Breeders’ Cup Limited today released the top 20 moments from its 40th running campaign fan poll, an opportunity for fans to choose their favorites from 40 pre-selected moments in Breeders’ Cup history.
The 40th running campaign, a multi-month celebration that will culminate in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, kicked off June 6 with the poll. Fans chose their top three moments from the 40 presented, spanning from the first running at Hollywood Park to last year’s edition at Keeneland.
Beginning today at BreedersCup.com, videos produced in cooperation with FanDuel TV will be released online and on social media platforms each Wednesday as racing’s most prominent participants and Breeders’ Cup ambassadors relive the top 20 moments. The countdown continues to the top three moments, which will be unveiled during the first week of November as the World Championships loom.
The top 20 moments in chronological order are:
· 1984: Wild Again’s Inaugural Classic Thriller
· 1988: Personal Ensign Nips Winning Colors in Distaff, Retires Undefeated
· 1989: Sunday Silence Bests Easy Goer in Horse of the Year Showdown
· 1991: Arazi’s Mind-Blowing Juvenile Rally
· 1993: The 133-1 Classic Upset of Arcangues
· 1995: Cigar Wraps Perfect Season With Classic Score
· 1996: Alphabet Soup Wins First Classic Outside United States
· 2001: Tiznow Wins Post-9/11 Classic for America
· 2003: Krone Makes Breeders’ Cup History on Halfbridled
· 2007: Curlin Wins Classic Over World-Class Field
· 2009: Zenyatta Trounces Males With Closing Rush in Classic for the Ages
· 2010: Goldikova Completes Hat Trick in Mile
· 2013: Wise Dan Sparkles in Mile
· 2015: American Pharoah Lands Grand Slam in Classic
· 2016: Beholder Turns Back Songbird for Distaff Win
· 2017: Gun Runner Soars Gate-to-Wire in Classic
· 2018: Enable Completes Arc/Turf Double
· 2020: Whitmore Earns His Moment in Sprint
· 2022: Flightline Caps Perfect Career With Classic Romp
· 2022: Cody’s Wish Lands Fairytale Dirt Mile Score
Fans can relive the thrill of the additional 20 moments at BreedersCup.com/top-40-moments, where the stories of incredible breakthrough performances and triumphant comebacks are featured. These moments, listed in chronological order, include:
· 1985: Pebbles Beats Boys in Turf
· 1986: Manila Sweeps to Thrilling Turf Score
· 1987: Miesque Lands First of Two Mile Victories
· 1990: Piggott Comes Out of Retirement for Mile Win on Royal Academy
· 1992: Smith Lands First Breeders’ Cup Win on Future Hall of Famer Lure
· 1994: Tom Durkin’s call of longshot One Dreamer’s Distaff Victory
· 1997: Favorite Trick Completes Horse of the Year Campaign in Juvenile
· 1998: Awesome Again Lands Classic Against Awesome Field
· 1999: Cat Thief Gives Lukas First Classic Victory
· 2000: Spain Soars to Distaff Upset
· 2002: Trainer P. G. Johnson Gets Score of a Lifetime in Classic With Volponi
· 2004: Singletary Thrills Partners With Mile Triumph
· 2005: Shirocco Makes History for Germany in Turf
· 2006: Street Sense Foreshadows Great Promise With Juvenile Score
· 2008: Raven’s Pass Becomes First British-Based Classic Winner
· 2011: St. Nicholas Abbey’s Turf Score Keeps it in the Family
· 2012: Napravnik and Shanghai Bobby Shine in Juvenile
· 2014: Bobby’s Kitten Goes Last to First in Turf Sprint
· 2019: Covfefe Garners National Attention in Filly & Mare Sprint
· 2021: Filly & Mare Turf Winner Loves Only You Makes History for Japan
From its ground-breaking debut of multi-million-dollar races in 1984 to record-setting triumphs in the modern era, the rich heritage of the Breeders’ Cup is woven into horse racing’s history. The 40th running campaign, marked by the slogan “It Runs Deep,” highlights 39 years of international competition and resulting champions via innovative fan and participant engagement opportunities across multiple platforms and on-site at Santa Anita.
The 2023 World Championships will entertain fans from around the globe as the sport’s best horses, jockeys, and trainers compete in 14 Grade 1 races for $31 million in purses and awards over two spectacular days of racing. Attendees will enjoy outstanding culinary experiences, high fashion, and top entertainment in the shadow of the San Gabriel Mountains as the World Championships are held at Santa Anita for a record 11th time.
Fans can purchase tickets online at BreedersCup.com/Tickets or by calling the ticketing office at (859) 514-9428. A range of seating options at various price points are available, including Grandstand Reserved Seating, expanded Clubhouse Box Seating, indoor and outdoor premium dining, and General Admission. Those interested in hosting corporate outings or large groups may register for more information at BreedersCup.com/Groups.
