The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In is back for its 20th year in 2026, providing top thoroughbreds with a clear route to the prestigious Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Across North America, the series will once again showcase elite racing, with automatic berths up for grabs in a calendar of 50 races stretching from coast to coast. The World Championships will take place Oct. 30–31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.
Since its inception, the Challenge Series has been a proving ground for horsemen seeking championship glory. This year, Breeders’ Cup has allocated a record $6.5 million in free entry fees, ensuring winners of the 95 qualifying races across 14 countries gain guaranteed spots in the corresponding World Championships events.
The North American leg of the series kicked off Jan. 24, when Skippylongstocking secured a berth in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) by winning the Pegasus World Cup (G1), a new addition to the Challenge Series schedule. Next on the calendar, Oaklawn Park hosts the April 11 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), which now offers a spot in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). The series continues with key events on Belmont Stakes weekend at Saratoga Race Course, and rounds out with the Oct. 17 Champion Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse.
North America Sets the Stage for Elite Competition
“North American racing provides the essential framework for the Challenge Series, presenting horsemen with a consistent and competitive path to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “The ongoing support of racing officials and track partners nationwide has been key to our success with the series, and we look forward to strong fields of global contenders at Keeneland this fall.”
In addition to entry incentives, Breeders’ Cup will offer a $10,000 travel allowance for World Championships starters outside of Kentucky and $40,000 for starters based outside North America. Challenge Series winners must be nominated by the Oct. 19 pre-entry deadline to access these rewards.
The series has historically translated into Championship success. At last year’s World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 46 Challenge Series winners competed, with three claiming their divisions: Forever Young (JPN) in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1); Notable Speech (GB) in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1); and Ted Noffey in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).
Breeders’ Cup will also continue its Dirt Dozen bonus program, featuring 12 elite North American graded dirt races. Horses finishing first, second, or third earn tiered bonuses that can offset World Championships entry fees for dirt races, with over $525,000 in free entry fees available to participants.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.