A Beginner’s Guide to Breeders’ Cup 2014

A Beginner’s Guide to Breeders’ Cup 2014: Have you found yourself hooked on horse racing after following California Chrome down the Triple Crown Trail? Are you surprised to find out that there are many big horse races throughout the year all over the world in edition to the Kentucky Derby? Are you wondering what the “Breeders’ Cup” actually is and why it’s so important? If you’re new to horse racing you may find yourself with questions. You may also be amazed to find out that the races that make up the Breeders’ Cup World Championship are the ones that should be on that bucket list of yours!

What is Breeders’ Cup?

The Breeders’ Cup World Championship consists of thirteen different horse races that take place over a two-day event. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the feature race of all thirteen races with a $5,000,000 purse. The “Classic” is the last race of the two-day event and usually draws in the crème de le crème of thoroughbreds throughout the world. The G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic is run at 1 ¼ miles and is for three-year-olds and up.

In addition to the Classic, there is the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile worth $2,000,000 that is run at one mile for three-year-olds and up, The G1 Xpressbet Sprint worth $1,500,000 at six-furlongs for three-year-olds and up, The G1 Turf worth $3,000,000 at 1.5 miles for three-year-olds and up, The G1 Sentient Jet Juvenile worth $2,000,000 at 1 1/16 miles for male two-year-olds, the G1 Turf Sprint worth $1,000,000 at 6.5 furlongs for three-year-olds and up, the G1 Draftkings Filly & Mare Sprint worth $1,000,000 at seven furlongs for three-year-olds and up, the G1 Filly & Mare Turf worth $2,000,000 at 1 ¼ miles for three-year-olds and up, the G1 Juvenile Fillies worth $2,000,000 at 1 1/16 miles for two-year-old fillies, the G1 Distaff worth $2,000,000 at 1 1/8 miles on dirt for female horses three-years-old and up, the G1 Juvenile Fillies Turf for two-year-old filly turf horses going one mile worth $1,000,000, the G1 Dirt Mile worth $1,000,000 at a mile for three-year-olds and up, and the G1 Juvenile Turf worth $1,000,000 at one mile for two-year-old males.

Who is racing in the Breeders’ Cup?

Nothing is set in stone until the final entries have been submitted and post positions have been drawn for all thirteen races. We do know California Chrome is set to run in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic against the undefeated Shared Belief! If you want to get a head start and study the possibilities for each race, a complete contender list for all 2014 Breeders’ Cup races can be found at BreedersCup.com.

Post positions will be announced on Monday, October 27, 2014 between 12:30-5:30 PM PT at the Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park. HRTV will televise the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic post draw and trainer interviews at 4:30 PM PT.

Most of the horses that have won a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Race will participate in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup but some trainers and owners can choose not to send their horse to California. Winning a Breeders’ Cup race is an honor and some experts say it’s the highest level of accomplishment a thoroughbred can endure throughout his career.

Can I still wear a hat to Breeders’ Cup?

Yes! Believe it or not, the Breeders’ Cup is a fashion event like no other! Celebrities and fans of all ages wear hats and fascinators with pride. Outfits are planned out for months. Just like the Kentucky Derby, the Breeders’ Cup is a once in a lifetime event so we say go for it!

Can anyone enter the Breeders’ Cup or do the horses acquire points like the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks?

Only the best thoroughbred horses have the opportunity to participate in the Breeders’ Cup. A horse must either win an official “Win and You’re In” Challenge Race or collect points throughout the year during major stakes races.

There are a total of fourteen horses allowed in each Breeders’ Cup race. Only seven starting gate positions are open to “Win and You’re In” winners and horses that collect points. An expert panel that hand select thoroughbreds from across the world determines the remaining seven positions.

Where does the Breeders’ Cup take place?

The Breeders’ Cup World Championship takes place in a different location most every year. The 2014 edition is scheduled at Santa Anita Park on October 31-November 1. Next year the Breeders’ Cup moves down to Kentucky where Keeneland will host on October 30-31 2015. The 2016 Breeders’ Cup moves back to Santa Anita Park followed by Del Mar in 2017.

What time are the Breeders’ Cup Races?

Friday, October 31, 2014
2:00 Opening Ceremonies
2:25 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Race 6)
3:05 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (Race 7)
3:50 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Race 8)
4:35 Breeders Cup Distaff (Race 9)

Saturday, November 1, 2014
11:45 Opening Ceremonies
12:05 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (Race 4)
12:43 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Race 5)
1:21 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (Race 6)
2:05 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (Race 7)
2:43 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (Race 8)
3:22 Breeders’ Cup Turf (Race 9)
4:01 Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Race 10)
4:40 Breeders’ Cup Mile (Race 11)
5:35 Breeders’ Cup Classic (Race 12)
*all times PT and subject to change

Where do I buy tickets?

Go directly to the official Breeders’ Cup website to purchase tickets and packages to the 2014 Breeders’ Cup.

Can I watch the Breeders’ Cup at home?

Yes! We highly recommend making an event out of watching at home with a Breeders’ Cup viewing party! Tune into NBC Sports Network, HRTV, and listen to HRRN live for all of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup coverage. The Breeders’ Cup website will also share a live stream for those of you without cable.

How do I place a bet on the Breeders’ Cup races?

We always recommend placing a bet directly with the local racetrack you’re attending that day. If you’re watching from home, sign up for the Lady and The Track newsletter for specific information on how to safely wager online.

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Ten Close Calls in Breeders’ Cup History
A look back at Goldikova
Top Ten Breeders’ Cup Races Everyone Should See
Top Five Breeders’ Cup Horses for Beginners
Top Ten Major Upsets in Breeders’ Cup History
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