In case you aren't as well versed as you'd like to be about this weekend's event here in Louisville, we're here to help!
The Breeders' Cup World Championship itself is only 26 years old, with the inaugural race held at Hollywood Park. Churchill Downs has hosted the event a record 6 times, making it the most prolific racetrack for the event. The mulit-million dollar event brings horses, trainers and fans from across the world. Last year's Cup held at Santa Anita Park had $25.5 million in total purses and earned the 2-day event as the richest prize money event in the world. With 14 races involved in the event, there's plenty of action for racing fans of all types.
With the first race of the Championship beginning at 4:10pm on Friday afternoon, Churchill Downs will have a chance to showcase its year-old lighting system (and night racing) to the world. A total of 6 races will be run on Friday afternoon and evening and involve both turf and dirt races, fillies & mares and purses of up to $2 million. It is the first time the Championships will be held under the lights.
Saturday's race card begins at 1:50pm with the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, shown nationally on ABC. The last of the races will be held Saturday evening at 6:45pm on ESPN as the Breeders' Cup Classic kicks off. This $5 millon purse race is the marquee event for the Championship. All 14 races will be shown on major network programming from ESPN2, ESPN & ABC.
If you haven't picked your horse for the Breeders' Cup Classic race, there's plenty of time to still do your homework. However, don't be surprised when you hear the name Zenyatta in everything you research. The undefeated horse comes into the Championships as THE horse to watch. She'll be competing against 15 other horses to bring home the title.
Now that you know the basics, it's time to hit the betting windows and grab your share of the $26 million in total purses this weekend at Churchill Downs!
For more information and photo courtesy of: www.breederscup.com
