The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will take place on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California. It marks the 42nd running of the event and the second consecutive year that Del Mar will host it.
This two-day spectacle stands as one of the most prestigious weekends in horse racing, bringing together elite contenders from across the world. With more than $34 million in purses and awards, an expanded Win & You’re In Challenge Series featuring 93 qualifying races across 15 countries, and record global participation expected, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most competitive and internationally diverse Breeders’ Cups ever staged.
Beyond racing itself, the Breeders’ Cup Festival Week (October 27 – November 2) will turn Del Mar and the surrounding San Diego area into a hub for fans, trainers, and owners. From morning workouts and wagering seminars to downtown fan zones and exclusive viewing parties, this will be an entire week dedicated to the sport’s biggest stars.
Host Track: Why Del Mar Matters
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Del Mar is often described as one of the most scenic racetracks in the world, “where the turf meets the surf.” The 2025 return reflects the success of previous editions held there. The track’s combination of mild fall weather, fast dirt, and firm turf provides a fair racing surface for both American and international competitors.
Historically, Del Mar’s layout favors tactical speed, but its long stretch rewards patience and precision. That balance has drawn praise from top trainers, who say it allows both front-runners and closers a legitimate shot at victory. For fans, the coastal setting ensures stunning visuals and ideal conditions for a packed weekend crowd expected to exceed 70,000 attendees across two days.
Complete Schedule and Tentative Post Times
The 2025 race order will be finalized in late October, but patterns from prior years give us a clear picture of what to expect.
2025 Breeders’ Cup Tentative Race Schedule
| Day | Event Highlights | Approx. First Post (PT) | Feature Race(s) | Approx. Classic Time (ET) |
| Friday, Oct 31 – Future Stars Friday | Juvenile divisions, showcasing next-generation champions | 11:35 a.m. | Juvenile Turf Sprint, Juvenile Fillies, Juvenile | 5:45 p.m. ET (Juvenile Turf Sprint) |
| Saturday, Nov 1 – Championship Saturday | Major Grade 1 events, including Turf, Mile, and Classic | 10:05 a.m. | Breeders’ Cup Classic, Filly & Mare Turf, Sprint, Mile | 5:41 p.m. ET (Classic) |
Both days will include undercard races before the main events. Television coverage will be live on NBC Sports, Peacock, and FanDuel TV, providing global streaming access.
Race Format and Structure
The Breeders’ Cup crowns year-end champions in 14 divisions, each representing a pinnacle of competition in the sport. The lineup covers turf and dirt races, different age groups, and both male and female divisions. The “Win & You’re In” Challenge Series determines most of the field, granting automatic qualification to winners of specific international races.
The 2025 series expands to 93 qualifying events, from Japan to Argentina, emphasizing the event’s global identity. Horses that win these races not only earn automatic entry but also receive paid fees and travel stipends, making it easier for global contenders to compete.
Additionally, the Dirt Dozen program, twelve U.S. graded stakes races serving as lead-up qualifiers for major dirt events, continues to enhance participation and prep quality.
Expected Major Races and Estimated Purses
| Race | Division / Surface | Estimated Purse (USD) | Distance |
| Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) | 3+ years / Dirt | $6,000,000 | 1¼ miles |
| FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) | 3+ years / Turf | $2,000,000 | 1 mile |
| Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf (G1) | Fillies/Mares / Turf | $2,000,000 | 1¼ miles |
| Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) | 3+ years / Dirt | $2,000,000 | 6 furlongs |
| Longines Turf (G1) | 3+ years / Turf | $4,000,000 | 1½ miles |
| Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) | 3+ years / Dirt | $1,000,000 | 1 mile |
| Juvenile (G1) | 2 years / Dirt | $2,000,000 | 1 1/16 miles |
| Juvenile Fillies (G1) | 2 years / Dirt | $2,000,000 | 1 1/16 miles |
| Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) | 2 years / Turf | $1,000,000 | 5 furlongs |
Top Horses to Watch for 2025
Even months ahead of the Championships, several standout names are shaping early storylines:
Sierra Leone
Winner of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic, Sierra Leone is expected to return to defend his title. Known for his powerful late kick and composure under pressure, he remains the benchmark for the Classic division. His prep campaign will likely target the Travers Stakes and the Jockey Club Gold Cup, both “Win & You’re In” qualifiers.
Fierceness
A prior Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion and Kentucky Derby competitor, Fierceness represents the elite class of dirt milers. If he maintains form, the 2025 Dirt Mile could be his to lose. His raw early speed makes him dangerous on Del Mar’s fast track.
European Turf Contenders
Top European trainers like Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby are expected to send multiple turf specialists. Horses emerging from Royal Ascot or the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will likely dominate the turf entries. Japan and Australia are also fielding strong prospects for the Mile and Turf Sprint.
Emerging Juveniles
“Future Stars Friday” always introduces new names to global racing fans. Expect a mix of unbeaten juveniles from the U.S., Ireland, and Japan, many having qualified through Challenge Series wins at Ascot, Tokyo, or Saratoga.
How Nutrition and Conditioning Shape Champions
Behind every Breeders’ Cup contender is a precise conditioning and nutrition strategy, one that blends science with decades of horsemanship. Modern racehorses rely on controlled carbohydrate intake, muscle recovery supplements, and forage balancing to maintain peak power throughout long prep seasons.
Consultants and equine specialists such as Equus Victu equine nutritionist often emphasize that small dietary adjustments can determine whether a horse peaks on race day or flattens out late in the season. Fine-tuning electrolyte balance, fiber sources, and vitamin ratios are now as critical as the training schedule itself. At the Breeders’ Cup level, a 1% improvement in stamina or recovery speed can make the difference between a win and a photo finish.
This growing collaboration between trainers, nutritionists, and veterinary experts shows how the sport is evolving, merging tradition with performance science to produce horses that are not just fast, but resilient over multiple seasons.
Trends and Insights for 2025
@breederscup Inspiral and Frankie Dettori were inspiring in their Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf victory. ✨ #BC23 #BreedersCup
1. Expanding Global Reach
The 2025 Breeders’ Cup will feature more international runners than ever. With Challenge Series races now held in 15 countries, horses from new territories such as Chile, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong are increasingly competitive. This makes the 2025 fields more unpredictable and the betting markets more dynamic.
2. Tactical Speed at Del Mar
Del Mar’s layout rewards forward position but punishes overly aggressive starts. Trainers often tailor prep races to ensure their horses can stalk and finish strongly on the long stretch. Expect jockeys with strong tactical awareness, like Ryan Moore, Irad Ortiz Jr., and Flavien Prat, to dominate again.
3. Record Prize Pool
With a total purse exceeding $34 million, the 2025 edition continues a steady upward trend in prize money. Sponsorships from brands like Longines, FanDuel, and Maker’s Mark have expanded, ensuring greater global coverage and incentives for owners.
4. Surface and Weather Factors
Late October in Southern California typically brings temperatures between 65–75°F and little rainfall. The firm turf and consistent dirt allow fair conditions, but even slight moisture can change outcomes, especially for turf closers reliant on grip.
5. Fan Experience
Del Mar’s Breeders’ Cup Festival Week integrates racing with entertainment. Concerts, wine tastings, and morning workouts open to the public make the event more than just a sport; it’s a cultural happening that brings in visitors from around the world.
Key Dates Leading Up to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup
| Date | Event / Deadline |
| October 20, 2025 | Pre-entry deadline for all Breeders’ Cup Championship races |
| October 22, 2025 | Official race order and post times announced |
| October 27 – November 2, 2025 | Breeders’ Cup Festival Week (Del Mar & San Diego region) |
| October 31, 2025 | Future Stars Friday – Juvenile Races |
| November 1, 2025 | Championship Saturday – Main Event Races |
Broadcast and Betting Outlook
NBC Sports will provide full coverage with live feeds on Peacock, USA Network, and international partners. The wagering structure remains deep, with exacta, trifecta, and Pick 6 pools expected to generate record handles. FanDuel TV will also stream exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and morning line analysis.
The “Dirt Dozen” bonus initiative encourages fans to follow the prep circuit from spring through fall. Bettors who track these 12 key dirt races often gain valuable insight into which horses are peaking before the Championships.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Breeders’ Cup represents more than the end of a racing season; it’s the culmination of a global yearlong competition. From Tokyo to Lexington, horses have earned their way here through grueling qualifiers and Grade 1 performances.
With Sierra Leone aiming to repeat in the Classic, Fierceness eyeing redemption, and a wave of international challengers entering new divisions, Del Mar will once again serve as the crossroads of world racing.
Expect packed stands, global television audiences, and two days of racing that will define champions and possibly rewrite history.
