It was 1982 when a group of prominent thoroughbred horse breeders from Central Kentucky formulated a novel concept for the sport of horse racing.

Hashed out on cocktail napkins, with Pappy Van Winkle providing the bravado, their idea was to create a year-end, culminating championship for their sport, akin to the World Series. 

An event where horses from around the globe could meet to settle the age old question, who is the best? 

An event that would celebrate the best of thoroughbred horse racing. 

The plan was to put the event on a national platform, broadcast it around the world and help build the market for racing and breeding. 

Their vision became The Breeders Cup.

That bourbon induced dream became a reality in 1984 when, the now defunct, Hollywood Park Race Track hosted the inaugural Breeders Cup Championships. 

With the exception of 1996 when it was held at Woodbine Racetrack in Canada, all the BC Championships have been in the United States. 

From 1984 through 2006 it was a single day event.  In 2007 as the prize money grew, more races were added, and it became a two day affair- Friday and Saturday.

The location of the event changes yearly, with this years Breeders’ Cup being held at Del Mar Racetrack November 1st and 2nd.

Total prize money for this years Breeders’ Cup stands at $31 million dollars.

Over the course of 39 years, the Breeders Cup has surged to the front of the worldwide racing scene, the event has transcended the sport itself.