Breeders’ Cup, one of the most prestigious international events of Thoroughbred racing, announced July 21 that Santa Anita . Park will host the record 11th 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Cup. Next year will mark the 40th edition of the Breeders’ Cup, starting as a one-day international championship before expanding to the current two-day format.
Set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains in Arcadia, California, the Breeders’ Cup World Championship, consisting of 14 1st place races with more than $31 million in prize money and prizes, will be held at Santa Anita Park by 1/ST RACING on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 2023.
“Santa Anita Park is an integral part of Breeders’ Cup history and the perfect location for our landmark 40th run,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders president and CEO’ Cup said. “Since our founders conceived this season-ending championship four decades ago, the Breeders’ Cup has consistently been one of the premier global events in Purebred racing. by combining the best that racing, hospitality and entertainment has to offer.”
“1/ST RACING is excited to welcome the Breeders’ Cup back to Santa Anita Park,” said Craig Fravel, CEO of 1/ST RACING and former president and CEO of Breeders’ Cups. “1/ST RACING looks forward to presenting a record 11th Santa Anita Park as California’s premier racing venue committed to providing the best setting for world-class racing, entertainment and hospitality, while also being part of the unique excitement that accompanies Breeders’ Cup.”
Reactions to the announcement have been largely positive on social media, with many praising Santa Anita’s choice and critics expressing a desire to see more diversity in which the songs organize. The event lasted two days. Since 2008, Breeders’ Cup has been held exclusively in Kentucky at Churchill Downs and Keeneland and in California at Santa Anita and Del Mar.
New Jersey’s Monmouth Park in 2007 was the last eastern track to host the Breeders’ Cup.
Breeders’ Cup expects the 2023 World Championship to have an impact of nearly $100 million on the Southern California economy, based on a 2017 study, with the 40th run of the World Championships and the backdrop With the stunning views of Santa Anita, fans and guests from all over the world are expected to attend the races and patronize local hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. The Breeders’ Cup World Championship held in Santa Anita has consistently set the standard for both attendance and betting over the years. The 2016 World Championships in Santa Anita holds the event’s all-time attendance record, with 118,484 fans. When the World Championship was last held in Santa Anita in 2019, a new betting record of over $175 million was set.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Herdsman Cup back to Santa Anita Park for the 11th time this coming November,” said Kathryn Schloessman, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Recreation Commission. “This unique event will once again deliver a memorable guest experience and significant economic impact to the greater Los Angeles area.”
Breeders’ Cup has established an application process for ticket sales and other information about the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championship at BreedersCup.com/2023.
The 39th Breeders’ Cup World Championship will be held November 4-5 at Keeneland near Lexington and will be televised live by NBC Sports. Limited number of tickets still available available.
