There’s a special electricity in the air along the Pacific shoreline this October — the kind that only the Breeders’ Cup World Championships can bring. With 207 pre-entries from across five continents, the 2025 renewal at Del Mar promises to unite the sport’s brightest stars in a global celebration of racing excellence on October 31 and November 1.
As the waves roll gently beyond the grandstand, anticipation builds for a rematch that racing fans have been craving since last year’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. Defending champion Sierra Leone will once again lock horns with Fierceness and Japan’s Forever Young, with both seeking redemption after the thrilling 2024 finish that went down to the wire. Adding youthful energy to the field are this season’s standout three-year-olds Sovereignty and Journalism, ensuring a Classic lineup brimming with storylines and international flavour.
A Celebration of Champions and Global Spirit
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships has always been more than a horse race — it’s a showcase of dreams, rivalries, and racing cultures colliding under one banner. This year, horses from Argentina, Japan, Ireland, England, France, Canada, Chile, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, and the U.S. have been pre-entered, including 58 international raiders aiming to make history on American soil.
Del Mar, affectionately known as “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” will host the Breeders’ Cup for the fourth time. Its 2024 edition shattered wagering records with $203.7 million handled globally — a testament to the enduring power of the brand and the excitement the venue inspires.
Among the eight returning champions are Rebel’s Romance (IRE), looking to complete a remarkable hat-trick in the Turf, and Straight No Chaser, the reigning Sprint hero. Add Citizen Bull, Full Serrano (ARG), Nobals, and White Abarrio to the mix, and fans are promised a weekend rich in world-class talent and storybook possibilities.
The Classic Picture: Depth, Drama, and Destiny
Sixteen previous winners of the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic have gone on to capture Horse of the Year honors — a statistic that underscores the race’s significance. This year’s edition could easily add another to that elite list. The field’s depth is staggering: Antiquarian, Contrary Thinking, Mindframe, Locked, Baeza, and Nevada Beach are just a few of the names expected to add intrigue to a race already laden with emotion and expectation.
“The incredible group of horses pre-entered for this year’s Breeders’ Cup reflects the unmatched quality and global prestige of the event,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “Each division is stacked with champions and international stars. We’re excited to once again showcase the best our sport has to offer at Del Mar.”
Worldwide Broadcast and Fan Access
Fans around the globe won’t miss a moment of the action. NBC Sports will deliver over ten hours of live coverage, highlighted by the Classic on Saturday afternoon, while FanDuel TV will stream every Championship and undercard race across multiple digital platforms. The Championships will also be broadcast in more than 180 countries — from ITV4 and Sky Sports Racing in the UK to SuperSport across Africa and FanCode in India.
For followers eager to dive deeper, BreedersCup.com offers detailed contender profiles, replays, and analysis, while the official app brings real-time updates and race insights to fans everywhere.
Race Logistics and Selection Process
Each of the 14 Grade 1 contests is capped at 14 starters (12 for the Turf Sprint and Juvenile Turf Sprint). Should fields be oversubscribed, the official Breeders’ Cup field selection system — which prioritizes Challenge Series winners, point standings, and expert panel rankings — will determine final entries. Also-eligible horses will stand by to fill any late withdrawals, ensuring that every gate slot earns its place through merit.
For more international racing stories and updates, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.