The 2026 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In marks its 20th year as the premier qualifying pathway for automatic entry into the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set for October 30-31 at Keeneland in Lexington. The series features 95 qualifying races across 14 countries, including 50 in North America, with a record $6.5 million allocated for free entry fees. Notable additions include the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes and the Apple Blossom Handicap offering new qualifying berths. The series also continues the Dirt Dozen bonus program, providing over $525,000 in entry fee bonuses for top finishers in select graded dirt races.
Television coverage for the Challenge Series will span seven live programs across NBC, FOX, and Peacock, beginning internationally with Royal Ascot in June and continuing through October at Keeneland. This extensive broadcast partnership aims to elevate the global profile of the series and showcase the world-class competition leading to the World Championships. Additionally, travel allowances are offered to World Championships starters outside Kentucky and North America, supporting broader participation. Last year, 46 Challenge winners competed at Del Mar, with three winning their divisions, underscoring the series’ significance in shaping the championship fields.
