At the heart of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships lies a simple, powerful promise — to protect every athlete, equine and human alike. As Del Mar Thoroughbred Club prepares to host the 2025 edition, Breeders’ Cup Limited has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safety, integrity, and the welfare of all participants.
This year’s championships mark the third running under the full jurisdiction of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), setting a benchmark for global racing standards. Under HISA’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, all Breeders’ Cup contenders are subject to stringent out-of-competition testing, pre-race screenings, and post-race evaluations conducted by the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU).
Early Preparations: From Testing to Track Care
Months before the gates open, the work of safeguarding the sport begins. Since July, the Breeders’ Cup Veterinary Team has collaborated with Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, HISA, HIWU, and the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to establish testing schedules, veterinary exam protocols, and emergency response systems.
Out-of-competition testing (OOC) for graded stakes and Challenge Series winners started in June, targeting potential contenders from both domestic and international jurisdictions. This continuous process ensures banned substances are detected long before race day, reinforcing the credibility of the event.
Meanwhile, Del Mar’s racing surfaces have been under constant scientific scrutiny. Track Superintendent Dennis Moore and Turf Course Superintendent John Beggin have partnered with Dr. Mick Peterson of the University of Kentucky’s Racetrack Safety Program to deliver consistency and safety across both dirt and turf tracks. Advanced tools like TurfTrax software measure turf conditions daily, with results made publicly available for horsemen and media outlets.
October Protocols: The Final Layer of Protection
As the final weeks before the championships unfolded, veterinary vigilance intensified. Following the conclusion of the last Challenge Series race on October 5, the Breeders’ Cup Veterinary Review Panel began screening more than 220 contenders. This meticulous review included examining veterinary and treatment records, racing and training patterns, and in some cases, using advanced diagnostics like PET scans and mobile radiography.
By October 20, upon the close of pre-entries, the panel revisited all medical records, drawing data from HISA for domestic runners and the previous 30 days for international entrants. Mandatory 24-hour surveillance began at Del Mar on October 28, underscoring the sport’s zero-tolerance approach to risk.
From October 22 onward, all contenders undergo comprehensive veterinary exams — including jog-ups and gait analyses via the AI-powered SLEIP app — alongside continual monitoring both in-stall and on-track. Each horse must pass pre-race jog-ups before accessing any racing surface. On race days, veterinarians maintain active oversight in the barns, paddock, and during warm-ups.
TCO2 testing precedes every race, while post-race sampling includes the top four finishers and any others designated by stewards. Each horse is carefully observed cooling out after the race, ensuring prompt attention if any irregularities arise.
Best-in-Class Integrity Framework
The 2025 Breeders’ Cup is more than a global celebration of speed and spirit — it’s a statement of accountability. Every competing stable has received the official Breeders’ Cup Veterinary Guide, outlining exam standards and safety requirements. The event’s evolving protocols continue to reflect advances in equine science and welfare technology, positioning the World Championships as a global model of responsible sport.
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