The Breeders' Cup World Championships, one of the most prestigious events in the world of horse racing, is set to captivate audiences once again. As the fields for the 14 races are finalized, horses are putting in their final workouts, and jockeys and trainers are strategizing their tactics, the anticipation builds for this two-day extravaganza of equine excellence.

Elevating the Sport of Kings to New Heights

Ticket Options and Attendance Caps

Fans eager to witness the spectacle in person have a range of ticket options to choose from. General admission tickets for the infield start at $67 on Friday and $133 on Saturday, while trackside general admission tickets are priced at $100 on Friday and a sold-out $199 on Saturday. Those seeking a more exclusive experience can opt for box seats, which are available for $475 on Friday but sold out for Saturday. The Clubhouse Terrace restaurant offers a premium package at $1,749 per seat for the two-day event. Breeders' Cup officials have capped the attendance at 37,500, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Tuning in from Home

For those unable to attend the event in person, the Breeders' Cup races will be extensively covered on television and streaming platforms. NBC, USA, Peacock, and FanDuel TV will divide the coverage, with five races on Friday and nine on Saturday. Viewers can find the exact broadcast times on the Breeders' Cup website and in their local sports TV listings. Online betting, which is legal in California for horse racing, can be accessed through FanDuel and other reputable wagering sites, allowing fans to participate in the excitement from the comfort of their homes.

The Week Ahead

The anticipation builds as the final fields, post positions, and morning-line odds are set on Monday at 4:15 PM, with the information being broadcast on FanDuel TV and live-streamed on the Breeders' Cup website. Fans can then purchase past-performance charts from the Daily Racing Form and Equibase sites to aid their handicapping efforts.The action at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club kicks off on Thursday at 12:30 PM, with the first of the Breeders' Cup races scheduled for Friday at 2:45 PM and the first of nine Breeders' Cup races on Saturday at noon.

The Significance of the Breeders' Cup

The Breeders' Cup World Championships hold immense significance in the world of horse racing. Winners of the various races, catering to different sexes, ages, and specialties, often go on to be recognized as the best in their respective divisions, with the potential to be named the prestigious Horse of the Year.The event is also one of the richest in sports, with horse owners competing for a staggering $30 million in guaranteed purses. This year, the purses for the Breeders' Cup Classic and the Breeders' Cup Turf have been increased to $7 million and $5 million, respectively, further elevating the stakes and attracting the top equine talent from around the globe.

The International Invasion

The Breeders' Cup continues to solidify its status as a truly international event, with a record 80 horses from four continents passing the "pre-entry" stage. This influx of global talent promises to add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the races, as the world's best horses and their connections vie for the coveted Breeders' Cup titles.

Equine Superstars and Potential Legends

The Breeders' Cup Classic has attracted a truly global field of equine superstars. City of Troy, the English Derby winner and world's top-ranked horse, will attempt to emulate his sire Justify's affinity for dirt and give the legendary Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien his first Classic victory. The Japanese colt Forever Young, who finished a close third in the Kentucky Derby, and the American 3-year-old sensation Fierceness, the current No. 1 in the U.S., will also be in the mix.In the Breeders' Cup Distaff, the filly Thorpedo Anna could cement her claim to Horse of the Year honors by adding this prestigious title to her impressive resume. The 3-year-old, who came within inches of defeating the male Fierceness in the Travers Stakes, has captivated racing fans with her grit and talent, and a victory in the Distaff could propel her to the forefront of the public's affection.

Jockeys and Trainers Vying for Glory

The Breeders' Cup also showcases the talents of the sport's top jockeys and trainers. Ryan Moore, widely regarded as the world's best jockey, will be aboard City of Troy, providing fans with a masterclass in riding. Flavien Prat, the French-born, California-seasoned jockey, will be seeking his first Eclipse Award as the nation's top rider, with mounts in the Classic, Juvenile, and other key races.On the training front, the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, at 89 years old, will be looking to add to his record-setting 20 Breeders' Cup wins, while facing stiff competition from fellow Hall of Famers Aidan O'Brien, Chad Brown, and Bob Baffert, each with 18 Breeders' Cup victories to their names.

The Home Team Advantage

The Breeders' Cup will also feature a strong contingent of horses trained in Southern California, led by the powerful stables of Bob Baffert and Phil D'Amato. Baffert's horses are expected to be formidable in the Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies races, while D'Amato's runners are poised to make an impact in the Juvenile Fillies Turf and Turf Sprint.The Juvenile races, in particular, hold added significance, as they often serve as a preview for the following year's Kentucky Derby. With Baffert's horses once again eligible for the Derby after the lifting of a previous ban, the Juvenile races will be closely watched for potential Derby contenders.

Prioritizing Safety and Integrity

The Breeders' Cup has made significant strides in ensuring the safety and well-being of the equine athletes, having avoided any horse fatalities in the four events since 2019. However, the sport has not been without its challenges, as two pre-Breeders' Cup training deaths occurred at Santa Anita in 2023.Breeders' Cup officials have pledged to address these concerns and will be holding a "racing safety and integrity briefing" for reporters on Wednesday, outlining the measures in place to protect the horses and jockeys during the event.As the anticipation builds and the world's best horses, jockeys, and trainers converge on Del Mar, the 2024 Breeders' Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will captivate racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike. With a diverse array of international talent, high-stakes competition, and a steadfast commitment to safety, this year's Breeders' Cup is poised to cement its status as one of the most prestigious and exciting events in the sport of horse racing.