The 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will return to Keeneland Race Course in Lexington on October 30 and 31, giving Kentucky another opportunity to welcome one of the major events on the international Thoroughbred racing calendar. Ahead of the Championships, Kentucky residents can now purchase a specialty Breeders’ Cup license plate, with part of the proceeds supporting charitable initiatives connected to the racing industry.
Breeders’ Cup Charities announced on September 11 that the specialty plate was available for purchase through local County Clerk’s Offices across Kentucky. The initiative provides residents with a way to show their connection to the Breeders’ Cup while also contributing directly to organisations supporting horses, jockeys, racing personnel and wider community programmes.
The Breeders’ Cup license plate costs $44 for Kentucky residents. Those seeking a personalised version can obtain one by paying an additional annual fee of $25. Residents purchasing the plate are required to bring their current vehicle registration, proof of insurance and current license plate when completing the process at their local County Clerk’s Office.
Breeders’ Cup License Plate Supports Racing Charities
A portion of every Breeders’ Cup license plate purchase will be directed towards Breeders’ Cup Charities. The organisation confirmed that $10 from each plate purchased will go directly to its charitable programme, with 100% of the funds raised being distributed across five core areas.
These areas include Thoroughbred aftercare, jockey health and wellness, support for backstretch and industry workers, equine research and other community initiatives. The programme also supports organisations such as Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, Racetrack Chaplaincy of America and the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, alongside other nonprofit beneficiaries.
The initiative therefore links a familiar part of Kentucky’s daily life with several areas of the racing industry that operate beyond the racetrack. For residents, the plate provides a visible connection to the Breeders’ Cup while helping direct funding towards organisations involved in the long-term welfare of people and horses.
John Keitt, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited, said the organisation was proud to call Kentucky home and viewed the specialty plate as another way for residents to support the World Championships and the wider racing industry. He also highlighted the role of the programme in assisting organisations carrying out important work for horses, people and communities.
Breeders’ Cup Charities was established in 2008 as the official outreach programme of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Since then, its charitable efforts have focused on areas closely connected with Thoroughbred racing and the communities surrounding the sport.
The timing of the Breeders’ Cup license plate also coincides with an important return to Kentucky. The 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will take place at Keeneland Race Course on October 30 and 31, featuring 14 Grade 1 Championship races across the two-day festival. The meeting will offer more than $34 million in purses and awards and will be televised live by NBC Sports and FanDuel TV.
The Championships will bring together leading horses, trainers, jockeys and connections for two days of international racing in Lexington. The event is also expected to provide a major platform for Kentucky, one of the central hubs of the global Thoroughbred industry.
The Breeders’ Cup will move to Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, for the 2027 World Championships, scheduled for October 29 and 30. Until then, the 2026 edition at Keeneland will place Kentucky firmly at the centre of the Breeders’ Cup calendar.
The Breeders’ Cup license plate gives Kentucky residents a new way to identify with the World Championships while contributing to Breeders’ Cup Charities. With $10 from every purchase supporting organisations across Thoroughbred aftercare, jockey welfare, equine research and industry communities, the specialty plate adds a charitable dimension to the build-up towards the 2026 Championships.
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