For fans of horse racing and gaming alike, the sight of the Cygames logo atop the starting gate of the Breeders’ Cup Sprint has become more than just branding — it’s a symbol of global collaboration between sport and entertainment. On Thursday, Breeders’ Cup Limited announced that Japanese video game publisher Cygames has renewed its partnership as the title sponsor of the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), extending its commitment to one of the most electrifying races of the World Championships.
Scheduled for Oct. 31–Nov. 1 at the picturesque Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the Sprint is a two-turn, high-speed showdown attracting elite sprinters from North America, Europe, and beyond. With a purse of $2 million, it’s not just a race; it’s a battlefield where fractions of a second can make the difference between glory and heartbreak.
Cygames first joined the Breeders’ Cup in 2024, coinciding with the international launch of the English version of Umamusume: Pretty Derby, its horse racing-inspired video game that has quickly captured hearts worldwide. That inaugural collaboration proved so popular that the company decided to deepen its involvement, bringing expanded media coverage and fresh marketing initiatives designed to engage a global audience.
“We are very pleased to continue and expand our partnership with Cygames,” said Heather Higgins, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Breeders’ Cup Limited. “This enhanced collaboration demonstrates both of our organizations’ shared commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and elevating the sport of horse racing to a global audience.”
For racing enthusiasts, the partnership is a perfect marriage of tradition and modern appeal. The Breeders’ Cup Sprint is famed for producing moments of sheer drama — from lightning-fast finishes to surprise upsets — and fans attending the Del Mar event can expect all that and more. Beyond the racetrack, Del Mar provides luxury hospitality, fine dining, fashion, and entertainment, earning its tagline, “Where the Turf Meets the Surf.”
Historically, the Sprint has showcased some of the sport’s fastest and most talented horses. Champions like Mitole, Whitmore, and Elite Power have left their mark on this stage, thrilling crowds with their explosive speed over six furlongs. This year, as trainers and jockeys prepare for the high-stakes showdown, Cygames’ continued sponsorship ensures the race remains not only prestigious but also a centerpiece for global fan engagement.
The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will feature 14 Grade 1 races with over $34 million in total purses. But beyond the statistics, the event is a celebration of excellence — bringing together the world’s finest horses, trainers, owners, and jockeys for two days of elite racing. For fans watching at home or attending in person, the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle of athleticism and strategy.
As horse racing seeks to capture a younger, global audience, partnerships like that of Cygames and Breeders’ Cup represent a forward-looking vision. It’s a bridge between the excitement of the racetrack and the immersive storytelling of digital entertainment, allowing fans everywhere to connect with the sport in new ways.
With Cygames reaffirming its support, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint stands ready to continue its legacy as one of the sport’s most dramatic and eagerly anticipated contests — a perfect intersection of speed, skill, and showmanship that racing fans around the world will be watching closely.
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