A NEW WAY TO FOLLOW THE BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE SERIES
Breeders’ Cup Press
The journey to the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course is already in progress — and now there’s a new way to follow top contenders from around the globe. Beginning March 23, we’re launching Road to the Cup, a new series that previews and recaps all the action from the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In. Throughout the season, these races determine which horses earn automatic berths into the Breeders’ Cup — and shape the storylines leading to the World Championships Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.
Our first installment looks ahead to the Dubai World Cup Carnival on March 28, where contenders from around the globe aim to punch their ticket to the Breeders’ Cup. There, 2025 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Forever Young seeks to continue a powerful streak in the Dubai World Cup (G1) off a repeat victory in the Saudi Cup (G1) in February. The Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), Dubai Turf (G1), and Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) also offer automatic berths to respective races at the World Championships. Click here to read this week’s preview, or view the Challenge Series schedule here.
Featuring 95 Challenge races held in 13 countries, the route to the Breeders’ Cup stretches around the world. The Road to the Cup will help you stay on top of the biggest moments — with previews, recaps, and updates on the horses securing their spot at the World Championships.
