The 42nd annual Breeders’ Cup World Championships, held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar in Southern California, is a premier Thoroughbred racing event that has evolved since its inception in 1984, thanks largely to John Gaines, the “father of the Breeders’ Cup.” Originally a single-day event, it expanded to two days in 2007, boosting fan engagement and betting handles, with recent global wagering exceeding $179 million. California leads as the top host state, with Del Mar hosting for the fourth time this year. The event is truly international, with foreign-based horses winning in 37 of 41 prior events, notably from Ireland, Great Britain, and France.

The Breeders’ Cup has produced legendary horses and trainers, including Hall of Famers Goldikova and Beholder, who each won three races, and trainers Richard Mandella and Brad Cox, who hold records for most wins at a single event. The event also highlights breeding excellence, with 26 winners going on to sire Breeders’ Cup champions. Notably, six Kentucky Derby winners have also won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, with American Pharoah achieving the “Grand Slam” by winning the Triple Crown and the Classic in the same year. The Championships have also seen dramatic upsets, including eight winners paying over $100 on a $2 bet, with the biggest payout of $269.20 by Arcangues in 1993.