#United States #Del Mar #Sovereignty #Breeders' Cup #Thoroughbred Racing

A Global Celebration of Thoroughbred Racing

The 42nd running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships is set to take place from October 31 to November 1, 2025, at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California. This year's event presents an unprecedented representation of contenders, with entries coming from a record 13 countries—Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Peru, South Africa, the United States, and Uruguay. This diverse lineup underscores the Breeders' Cup's status as a premier global event for Thoroughbred racing, reflecting the sport's growing appeal across various nations.

With over $34 million in purses and awards, the Breeders’ Cup will showcase 14 Grade 1 races, gathering top horses, trainers, owners, and breeders on a grand scale. Del Mar, famously known as "Where the Turf Meets the Surf," will host the championships for the fourth time, following a record-breaking event in 2024 that saw global wagering exceed $203.7 million. The presence of 55 international contenders promises an electrifying series of races, making this one of the most anticipated weekends in the horse racing calendar.

Highlighting the Stars of the Show

Among the stellar lineup, Sovereignty, trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, emerges as the morning-line favorite in the prestigious $7 million Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). This race marks Sovereignty's foray into the world of older horses after an impressive season, which included victories in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1), and Travers Stakes (G1). He will face stiff competition from other champions, including Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Forever Young from Japan, making this year's Classic a must-watch.

The excitement kicks off on Future Stars Friday, with five championship races designed for 2-year-olds, including the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). Prominent trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher are likely to dominate this starting event. Baffert will introduce Brant, a promising son of Gun Runner, while Pletcher's entry is poised to showcase the talents of Ted Noffey.

On the following Saturday, races will feature heavyweights like Rebel's Romance, aiming for excellence in the $5 million Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) against formidable competitors, including the talented filly Minnie Hauk. Furthermore, in the $2 million FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), the focal point will be on Notable Speech, who finished strongly last year and aims to secure a win this time around.

Broadcast and Accessibility

Fans around the world will not miss out on the action, as NBC Sports will provide over 10 hours of live coverage across multiple platforms, including Peacock, ensuring a stunning viewing experience of all races. Breakfast at the Breeders' Cup will also enable fans to watch contenders in their final preparations running through October 30, highlighting interviews and insights.

In yet another innovative approach, Breeders' Cup will donate all merchandise royalties to Breeders' Cup Charities, enhancing community engagement within the racing world. The campaign, titled "Champions Give Back," is an initiative aimed at supporting various industry non-profits and will match donations thanks to a generous contribution from philanthropist Ken Freirich.

Conclusion

As preparations intensify for the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships, the stage is set for an unforgettable celebration of Thoroughbred racing. With international entries, economically impactful purses, and a lineup of celebrated champions, this year's Breeders' Cup promises to further solidify its reputation as racing's grandest showcase. Don’t miss the thrilling races and the electric atmosphere at Del Mar, where the best in the sport will compete for glory.