The Breeders’ Cup is a highlight of the international racing calendar, bringing together the finest horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the globe. The 2024 edition at Del Mar promises excitement across multiple categories, with top purses drawing fierce competition.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most lucrative races you can expect across the two days of racing.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint
The first race of the weekend is the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, featuring a purse of $1,000,000. Run over a distance of 5 furlongs on turf, this Grade 1 race is open to two-year-olds. With speed and agility being key on this shorter course, this race often showcases future turf stars. The generous purse makes it a major draw for owners and trainers looking to cement their horses’ reputations early in their careers.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies
Later in the day, the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies offers an even larger purse of $2,000,000. Covering a distance of 1 1/16 miles on dirt, this Grade 1 race is restricted to two-year-old fillies. It’s a race that tests stamina as much as speed, and the $2 million purse guarantees that only the best will be competing. Winners of this race often go on to make significant impacts in subsequent years, which makes the stakes particularly high.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf is another race boasting a $1,000,000 purse. Run over 1 mile on the turf, this Grade 1 race is limited to two-year-old fillies. The turf surface presents its own unique challenges, and this race is often a stepping stone for fillies with international racing careers. The million-dollar prize ensures that the competition is fierce, and only the most talented fillies will rise to the top.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
One of the most anticipated races of the weekend is the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, which carries a purse of $2,000,000. This 1 1/16 mile Grade 1 race on dirt is a proving ground for two-year-old colts and fillies. Often seen as a key predictor for future Triple Crown contenders, this race attracts the best young talent from around the world. The $2 million purse adds to the excitement, making this one of the most competitive events of the Breeders’ Cup.
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile is another high-stakes race, offering a purse of $1,000,000. This Grade 1 race is open to horses aged three and older and is run over 1 mile on dirt. While the distance is shorter than some of the other races, it requires a combination of speed and endurance, making it a fascinating event to watch.
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf
For fans of turf racing, the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf is a standout event. Offering a $2,000,000 purse, this race covers 1 3/8 miles and is open to fillies and mares aged three and older. As one of the richest turf races for females, it attracts top international talent, and its generous purse only heightens the level of competition.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff
The Breeders’ Cup Distaff is another race with a $2,000,000 purse, run over 1 1/8 miles on dirt. This Grade 1 race is restricted to fillies and mares aged three and older. Known for dramatic finishes and high-stakes competition, the Distaff is one of the highlights of the Breeders’ Cup weekend and often features some of the biggest names in racing.
Breeders’ Cup Turf
The Breeders’ Cup Turf is one of the richest turf races in the world, with a staggering $5,000,000 purse. Covering a distance of 1 1/2 miles, this Grade 1 race is open to horses aged three and older. The large purse ensures that this race draws top talent from around the globe, with European horses often excelling on the turf. With so much at stake, the Breeders’ Cup Turf is a must-watch event for any racing fan.
Breeders’ Cup Classic
The crown jewel of the Breeders’ Cup weekend is undoubtedly the Breeders’ Cup Classic. With an incredible purse of $7,000,000, this race is the most prestigious event of the weekend. Run over 1 1/4 miles on dirt, this Grade 1 race is open to horses aged three and older. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is where legends are made, and the $7 million prize ensures that the best of the best will be vying for victory. This race often features previous Breeders’ Cup champions, international stars, and Triple Crown contenders, making it the most anticipated race of the year.
Conclusion
The Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar offers some of the most lucrative purses in horse racing, attracting top horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. From the early excitement of the Juvenile races to the legendary Breeders’ Cup Classic, the 2024 event promises to deliver high-stakes competition at every turn.