Four Races Offer “Win and You’re In” Berths to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships
Breeders’ Cup Press
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Europe’s finest turf horses, as well as several invaders from across the globe, are set to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious meets, Royal Ascot, June 16-20.
The elite competition will also feature four opportunities to punch a ticket to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships this fall through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – an international series of stakes races, the winners of which receive automatic starting positions with fees paid into a corresponding race of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course Oct. 30-31.
Each of the races will receive extensive television and streaming coverage in the United States by NBC Sports. The coverage begins Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. ET on Peacock and NBC, and continues through Friday (beginning each day at 8:30 a.m. ET). NBC and Peacock will present a live 4.5-hour Royal Ascot program on Saturday, June 20, starting at 9 a.m. ET.
Several of the world’s top-ranked horses will be in action throughout the weekend, including 2025 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) winner Notable Speech (GB). The Godolphin homebred trained by Charlie Appleby is tied for fifth in the most recent edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse rankings and will kick off the Royal Ascot meet Tuesday in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1). A victory would punch his ticket back to the Breeders’ Cup through the Challenge Series as he seeks to defend his title in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Click here to read this week’s preview, or view the Challenge Series schedule here. A fact sheet about the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series at Royal Ascot is attached for your convenience.
