The “Breeders’ Cup” began in 1984 as a year-end championship for North American Thoroughbred racing. The idea was introduced by John R. Gaines, a Thoroughbred owner and breeder, to improve the sport’s image.
Initially met with skepticism, the concept gained momentum thanks to key supporters like trainer John Nerud. Over time, the event became an international spectacle, attracting top horses not only from North America but also from places like Europe.
The races, operated by Breeders’ Cup Limited, started as a single-day event but expanded to two days in 2007. Today, the Cup is one of the most prestigious events in horse racing, with prize money exceeding $25 million.
The expansion in 2008 introduced a special day for female horses, while the Breeders’ Cup Marathon was added but later dropped in 2014.
The Structure of Prize Money and Nomination Fees
The Breeders’ Cup is primarily funded by breeders’ nomination fees. In North America, stud farms pay an annual fee equivalent to the stallion’s stud fee, plus extra if the horse has more than 50 foals in a year.
The system varies slightly for international stallions, with European breeders paying 50% and South American breeders 25% of the stallion’s stud fee. Additionally, North American breeders must pay a $400 nomination fee by October 15 for the foals born that year.
The Cup offers some of the highest payouts in the sport. It was once considered the “richest day in sports,” but after expanding to two days, the second day now ranks as the second-richest. The “Dubai World Cup” surpasses it, with a combined purse of $21 million in 2008.
Key Changes and Partnerships in Breeders’ Cup History
In 2009, the Breeders’ Cup introduced a new colored saddle towel system, replacing the iconic purple towels. The same year, a partnership with Betfair brought the event to a wider international audience, allowing over 2.5 million customers to place bets through common-pool wagering. The Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” system was also introduced, allowing winners of major races around the world to gain automatic entry into the event.
Greg Avioli took over as CEO in 2007, followed by Craig Fravel in 2011. Fravel’s leadership saw new races introduced, although some, like the Juvenile Sprint, were later dropped.
The Breeders’ Cup Today
The Cup has been hosted at prestigious tracks like Churchill Downs, Santa Anita Park, and Keeneland. Despite concerns over limited seating, the 2015 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland was a success. That year, American Pharoah made history by becoming the first horse to win the so-called “Grand Slam,” which includes the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
