5 Fun Facts About the Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup is without a doubt one of the most popular and famous events in all of horse racing. Sure, the Triple Crown is pretty big, but it doesn’t even touch on the infamy of the Breeders’ Cup. 

There have been so many horses and jockeys who have performed amazingly at this event, and we anticipate even more in the future as we start to consider 2023 breeders’ cup betting. 

But, there is much to the history of the Breeders’ Cup, and much to know. So, before hooves hit the track, let’s indulge you. Saddle up and ride through these fun facts!

Our Fun Facts

Here are 5 fun facts about this incredible race that will have you galloping to place your next bet.

#1. It’s Always Been Held In The U.S., Except Once

The Breeders’ Cup has always been a U.S. event, although there was one year this is untrue for. It has only ever been held outside of the United States on one occasion since its inception. 

Back in 1996, the Breeders’ Cup was run in Canada, at the Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario. 

#2. The U.S. Has The Most Winners.

While horses come from all corners of the globe to compete in this race, the U.S. has seen the most winners. The U.S. is the homeland of a majority of Breeders’ Cup champions, having nearly 300 winners overall. 

Just behind the U.S. is Ireland, Great Britain, and then France, Argentina, Germany, Canada, and Japan. 

When we consider the places best known for horse racing, these countries are no surprise, but we should be proud of having the most winners! 

#3. Only One Horse Won The Classic 2 Times

Of the entire Breeders’ Cup the most elite race is the final, which is the Breeders’ Cup Classic. It is a grade 1 race that is for only thoroughbreds of 3 years plus. The horses need to run a distance of one and a quarter miles on a dirt track. 

There is only one horse that has won the Classic two times, named Tiznow. He won in 2000 and 2001. Tiznow was a legend, winning 8/15 of his starts and taking home nearly $6.5 million in winnings. 

Of course there have been other big wins for this horse, such as the Affirmed Handicap. But, this was probably his greatest.

#4. Santa Anita Has Held It The Most

The Breeders’ Cup is not a stationary event, it moves and is held in different locations. Of all the popular locations, it has been held in Santa Anita park the most. 

Santa Anita park is in Arcadia, in the state of California, and has held the Breeders’ Cup 10 times, which is more than any other track has. 

Churchill Downs has the second most with 9 Breeders’ Cup races. 

Belmont Park has also held this race, although it is better known for the Triple Crown. 

#5. The Biggest Winning Jockey

All jockeys are great but Mike Smith kind of takes the cake. He is one of the most famous jockeys in the world at this time. He has over 5,600 wins overall and has won 26 Breeders’ Cup Classic races. 

This is more than any other jockey, and also more than any horse. 

He has also won the Triple Crown in 2018 on Justify, and make himself known as the oldest jockey to ever win this race, he was 52 when he completed this feat. He is followed closely behind in this by Velazquez, Bailey, and Dettori.