The hum of anticipation is already echoing along the Del Mar coastline as the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships prepares to return to California’s iconic seaside venue. With 14 Grade 1 contests and more than $34 million in prize money on offer, this year’s edition promises two unforgettable days of elite racing on October 31 and November 1.
The Breeders’ Cup, often described as the sport’s global summit, brings together the finest horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. From the thunder of hooves on the dirt to the grace of turf champions under the golden Del Mar sun, this festival stands as a celebration of excellence in every stride.
The Classic Showdown: Stars Set for the $7 Million Highlight
At the heart of the spectacle lies the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), set for 3:25 p.m. PT on Saturday, November 1. The race will headline a 3.5-hour NBC broadcast window, showcasing a line-up worthy of global attention.
Returning to the spotlight are last year’s top trio—Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Japan’s Forever Young (JPN)—who are expected to renew their fierce rivalry. They’ll be joined by Sovereignty, whose Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Travers victories stamped his dominance, and Journalism, the Preakness and Haskell hero. Every name on the card tells a story of brilliance, and together they promise a race to remember.
A Festival of Champions: Schedule and Highlights
The Breeders’ Cup opens on Friday, October 31, with a ten-race program culminating in the Juvenile Turf (G1) at 5:25 p.m. PT. The action begins at 11:35 a.m. PT and includes key juvenile contests such as the Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) and the Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), setting the stage for racing’s rising stars.
On Saturday, November 1, the 12-race finale day begins at 10:05 a.m. PT. The PNC Bank Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) will launch the Championship races at noon, followed by top-class events like the Turf Sprint (G1), Distaff (G1), and FanDuel Mile (G1).
After the Classic, three more showdowns will complete the card — the FanDuel Mile (G1), Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1), and Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf (G1) — ensuring the festival closes in true championship fashion.
International Stage and Broadcast Reach
A record 43 countries are expected to participate in this year’s global simulcast of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, including Japan, France, Australia, and the United Kingdom. NBC Sports will provide over ten hours of live coverage across NBC and USA Network, with full streaming available on Peacock. FanDuel TV will also deliver continuous coverage through BreedersCup.com, social platforms, and global outlets.
This year marks the fourth time Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosts the Breeders’ Cup, reaffirming its place as one of the world’s premier racing destinations. Following last year’s record-breaking global participation, the 2025 renewal aims to once again capture the spirit and spectacle of world-class horse racing “where the turf meets the surf.”
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