More Than 10 Hours of Live Coverage of 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., across NBC, USA Network and Peacock this Weekend

Live Coverage of the Richest Two Days in U.S. Horse Racing Begins This Friday at 4 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock & Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock; Saturday Coverage on NBC and Peacock Begins at 3:30 p.m. ET

First Time All Breeders’ Cup World Championships Coverage Streams Live on Peacock

STAMFORD, Conn. – Nov. 1, 2023 – NBC Sports presents more than 10 hours of live coverage of the 40^th Breeders’ Cup World Championships this weekend — the richest two days in horse racing in the United States — with a total of $31 million in prize money at stake in 14 races. Headlining the weekend’s coverage is the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock live from Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

Highlighting Saturday’s star-studded Breeders’ Cup Classic field is:

• • Arabian Knight (3-to-1 morning line odds): has won three of four career starts, including 2023 Pacific Classic (G1) on Sept. 2, and is trained by four-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bob Baffert;
  • Derma Sotogake (20-to-1): three-year old colt from Japan, finished sixth in this year’s Kentucky Derby and won 2023 UAE Derby (G2);
  • Ushba Tesoro (4-to-1): six-year-old horse from Japan, has amassed more than $9.2 million in earnings in 30 career starts;
  • White Abarrio (4-to-1): has three stake wins, including Grade 1 2023 Whitney and 2022 Florida Derby;
  • Zandon (12-to-1): Trained by Chad Brown, finished third in 2022 Kentucky Derby and most recently won the Woodward (G2) on Oct. 1.

 

Live racing coverage of the 40^th Breeders’ Cup World Championships begins this Friday featuring the Juveniles in action at 4 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock. Six-plus hours of live coverage on Saturday begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock and continues on NBC and Peacock at 3:30 p.m. ET. This weekend marks the first time all 10+ hours of coverage will stream live on Peacock.

The Breeders’ Cup Classic has a post time of 6:40 p.m. ET. In addition to the Classic, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (5:10 p.m. ET post time) and Breeders’ Cup Turf (5:50 p.m. ET post time) will be presented live Saturday on NBC and Peacock.

COMMENTATORS: Ahmed Fareed hosts coverage on Friday and Saturday alongside analyst and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, who owns 15 Breeders’ Cup wins; analyst Randy Moss; host and reporter Britney Eurton; reporters Kenny Rice and Nick Luck; handicappers Eddie Olczyk and Matt Bernier; insights analyst Steve Kornacki; and Donna Brothers, who will report on horseback. Larry Collmus will call all of the Breeders’ Cup races.

NBC Sports’ handicapping “Betting the Breeders’ Cup” series previewing each of the 14 World Championship races will be presented across NBC Sports digital platforms beginning on Thursday. Eurton, Luck, Olczyk, Bernier, and Kornacki will be featured in the digital series.

NBC Sports’ weekend presentation will also feature:

• • NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico headlines Saturday’s opening tease on NBC and Peacock from SoFi Stadium, which was built on the original location of the Hollywood Park Racetrack — the site of the first Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 1984 (televised on NBC)
  • A Tim Layden essay on the 40^th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships
  • A feature on jockey Frankie Dettori, who has won 14 Breeders’ Cup races and will ride Zandon in the Breeders’ Cup Classic this weekend
  • Celebrities making their Breeders’ Cup Classic picks
  • A pair of jockey cam systems with audio
  • A megalodon camera to share live-action footage of the fashion and flavors surrounding the Breeders’ Cup World Championships
  • An outrider camera capturing intimate moments with the winning jockey immediately following races
  • A special gyro camera on a vehicle inside the rail on the backstretch, providing a live wide-angle perspective as the horses race with the San Gabriel Mountains as the backdrop
  • An RF Super Slo Mo camera, used for the first time on NBC Sports’ horse racing coverage
  • Live drone coverage
  • Access to approximately 75 video sources, including cameras and feeds

 

NBC Sports’ coverage of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is produced by Lindsay Schanzer and Billy Matthews, and directed by Kaare Numme. Executive producer and president, NBC Sports Production is Sam Flood.

Date	Event	Platform	Time (ET)
Fri., Nov. 3	Breeders’ Cup World Championships	USA Network, Peacock	4 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 4	Breeders’ Cup World Championships	USA Network, Peacock	1:30 p.m.
	Breeders’ Cup Classic	NBC, Peacock	3:30 p.m.
	Breeders’ Cup World Championships	Peacock	7 p.m.

 

BREEDERS’ CUP COVERAGE ON NBCSPORTS.COM & THE NBC SPORTS APP
NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via authentication, giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media. 

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to many of the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series.

 

–NBC SPORTS–

Saturday’s 4 p.m. Program Headlines by Coolmore Turf Mile and Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity; Sunday’s 4 p.m. Telecast is Highlighted by Juddmonte Spinster Stakes

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2023) —The countdown to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships continues this weekend as Keeneland Race Course hosts CNBC and Peacock’s presentation of the final automatic qualifying races in the United States.

A pair of two-hour programs from the Lexington, Kentucky oval are the final shows for this year’s “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” on NBC, CNBC, and Peacock from North America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The complete series viewing schedule can be accessed here.

The weekend coverage begins Saturday, Oct. 7, at 4:00 p.m. ET and features the $1 million Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes (G1) led by Master of the Seas (IRE) and Up to the Mark. The programming on Sunday, Oct. 8, also beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET, will be highlighted by champion filly Nest and fellow Grade 1 winner Idiomatic in the $600,000 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1).

Saturday’s show will also include three more Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races: The 1 1/16-mile, $600,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) for 2-year-olds; the 6-furlong, $350,000 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) for 3-year-old and up fillies and mares, and from Santa Anita Park, the 1 1/16-mile, $200,000 Chandelier Stakes (G2) for 2-year-old fillies.

NBC Sports’ coverage will feature commentary and discussion from reporter Britney Eurton, analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, and handicappers Nick Luck and Michelle Yu.

The Coolmore Turf Mile, whose winner will receive an automatic starting position into the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), boasts five Grade 1 winners: Master of the Seas, Up to the Mark, defending champion Annapolis, Set Piece (GB) and Atone.

Godolphin’s Master of the Seas is the 2-1 morning line favorite in the nine-horse field following his dominating win in the Sept. 16 Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) in which he earned a free berth into the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Master of the Seas has won three of five starts this year.

Up to the Mark and Annapolis are trained by Todd Pletcher. Up to the Mark, owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, has excelled at longer distances this year, winning back-to-back Grade 1 races in the May 6, 1 1/8-mile Old Forrester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs and the June 10, 1 ¼-mile Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes at Belmont Park. Up to the Mark has won four of five starts this year, with his only defeat being a third-place finish in the April 14 Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. Bass Racing LLC’s homebred Annapolis drove clear in the final furlong to win last year’s Coolmore Turf Mile by 1 ½ lengths. On May 4 at Churchill Downs, he won his sixth career race, taking the listed 1-mile Opening Verse Stakes.

Juddmonte’s 7-year-old homebred gelding Set Piece, trained by Brad Cox, stormed home from last in the 11-horse field of the Aug. 10 Arlington Million (G1) at Colonial Downs, to earn his 13^th career win. Three Diamonds Farm’s 6-year-old gelding Atone, trained by Mike Maker, won the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park in January, but has been off the board in his last four starts.

Pletcher has entered the 7-5 morning line favorite Locked in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity, which gives the winner a free berth into the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, Locked captured a 1-mile maiden special weight race at Saratoga by a widening 7 ¼ lengths on Sept. 1. Cox has two starters in this race with Albaugh Family Stables LLC and Donegal Racing’s Awesome Road, who won on debut in a 6-furlong race at Ellis Park on Aug. 27, and Siena Farm and WinStar Farm LLC’s Timberlake, who was second in the Sept. 4 Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.

The winner of the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes gains an automatic starting position into the $1 million PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). The Steve Asmussen-trained Wicked Halo, who was third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Keeneland, faces 2-1 morning line favorite Yuugiri, who defeated Wicked Halo in the Sept. 16 listed Open Mind Stakes at Churchill Downs.

At Santa Anita, the Peter Eurton-trained Laurent, second in the Grade 1, Sept. 9 FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante Stakes, is among the 10 contenders entered in the Chandelier Stakes, with the winner receiving a free entry into the $2 million NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1).

Sunday’s 1 1/8-mile Juddmonte Spinster Stakes for fillies and mares, 3-years-old and up, could set up as a battle between two daughters of Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Curlin, as Nest tries to turn the tables on Idiomatic, who defeated her in the Aug. 25 Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga. The Spinster winner earns an automatic starting position in the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). Nest, owned by Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Michael House, and trained by Pletcher, finished fourth in last year’s Distaff at Keeneland. However, she still completed an outstanding season of five stakes victories and a second in the Belmont Stakes (G1) that propelled her to the 3-year-old filly championship. She won the July 23 Shuvee Stakes (G2) at Saratoga in her seasonal debut, but finished third over sloppy track in the Personal Ensign.

Juddmonte’s 4-year-old homebred Idiomatic, trained by Cox, won the Personal Ensign gate to-wire by 4 lengths, registering her sixth win in seven starts this year that also included a triumph in the July 8 Delaware Handicap (G2).

Sunday’s program will also include the $350,000, 1 1/16-mile Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2) for 2-year-olds on the turf, which gives the winner a free berth into the $1 million Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). Repole Stable’s Noted, the 3-1 morning line favorite, leads a wide-open field of 12 starters. Trained by Pletcher, Noted won the Aug. 26 listed Sampling Stakes at Monmouth Park in his most recent start. Godolphin’s Palm Tree, the 9-2 second choice, trained by Brendan Walsh, came on strongly in the stretch to win a 6 ½ furlongs maiden race Sept. 7 at Kentucky Downs.

 

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series.

 

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through an 80-race series hosted by 11 countries, and the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The Breeders’ Cup supports and operates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which, for the first time, establishes a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack. HISA seeks to enhance the safety of both horse and rider and to protect the integrity of the sport to the benefit of all racing participants, fans, and bettors.

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 Championship races, and $31 million in purses and awards, is scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The Championships will return to the West Coast in 2024 with Del Mar in Del Mar, California, set to host Nov. 1-2. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

Winner Gains Automatic Berth into $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile

TORONTO (Sept. 14, 2023) — Shirl’s Speight, runner-up in last year’s FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), and local turf star War Bomber (IRE) lead the six-horse field for Saturday’s $1 million Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) at Woodbine Racetrack in Canada, live on NBC and Peacock beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The race winner will earn a free berth into this year’s $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In.

The Ricoh Woodbine Mile, for 3-year-olds and up at a mile on turf, headlines the second program this year in the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” on NBC, CNBC, and Peacock from North America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the 40th Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The complete series viewing schedule can be accessed here.

Saturday’s broadcast will also include the 1-mile Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes (G1) at 1 mile on the turf, which precedes the Woodbine Mile. The Natalma Stakes winner will receive an automatic starting position into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).

NBC Sports’ coverage will feature commentary and discussion from analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, reporter Britney Eurton, and handicappers Eddie Olcyzk and Matt Bernier.

Charles Fipke’s Shirl’s Speight, a 6-year-old trained by Roger Attfield, made up huge ground in the stretch of last year’s FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland, finishing just three-quarters of a length behind Modern Games (IRE), who also won the 2022 Ricoh Woodbine Mile. Shipped overseas for races at the start of this year, Shirl’s Speight finished 9^th in the February Stakes (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse in February and ran fourth in the Dubai Turf (G1) at Meydan in March. Making his home debut this season at Woodbine on Aug. 19, Shirl’s Speight finished fourth in the 1-mile King Edward Gold Cup (G2) as the 9-5 favorite. John Velazquez will ride Shirl’s Speight from post three. The Hall of Fame jockey has won five editions of the Woodbine Mile and also rode two of those winners – Da Hoss and Wise Dan – to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Bruno Schickedanz’s 5-year-old gelding War Bomber won the King Edward by a neck, stalking the pace and holding off Treason to register his seventh victory at Woodbine, and his first triumph this year in four starts. Trained by Norm McKnight, War Bomber will try to improve on his ninth-place finish in last year’s race. Rico Walcott has the mount, breaking from post two.

Trainer Charlie Appleby saddled Modern Games to victory in last year’s race and later in November to victory in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile. This year, Appleby has entered Godolphin’s 5-year-old gelding Master of the Seas (IRE), who will be making his North American debut.  A winner twice in four starts this year, Master of the Seas returned from a 3 1/2-month layoff with a rousing 4-length victory in the July 15 Fred Crowley MBE Memorial Summer Mile Stakes (G2) at Ascot in England. William Buick has the mount breaking from post one.

Trainer Mark Casse, a two-time winner of both the Woodbine Mile and the Breeders’ Cup Mile, has entered three horses, led by Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable, and Peter Deutsch’s Ice Chocolat (BRZ), who will be making his second attempt this summer to earn a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series berth in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile. On Aug. 12 at Saratoga Race Course, Ice Chocolat delivered a solid third-place performance, defeated by less than two lengths, behind Casa Creed and Annapolis in the Fourstardave Handicap (G1). Joel Rosario will ride Ice Chocolat from post four.

Completing the field are Casse’s other starters: Gary Barber’s My Sea Cottage (IRE), fourth in the Fourstardave, and Pantofel Stable, LLC, Wachtel Stable, and Barber’s Canadian-bred Lucky Score, third in the King Edward Stakes. Dylan Davis will ride My Sea Cottage from post five and Sahin Civaci has the mount on Lucky Score from stall six.

A field of 15 has been entered for the Natalma Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies, and is led by the first two finishers from Woodbine’s Aug. 20 listed Catch A Glimpse Stakes, when X-Men Racing 3, StarLadies Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, and SF Racing LLC’s Airosa defeated Gary Barber and D.J. Stable LLC’s Ready to Jam by 1 length.

 

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series.

 

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through an 80-race series hosted by 11 countries, and the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The Breeders’ Cup supports and operates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which, for the first time, establishes a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack. HISA seeks to enhance the safety of both horse and rider and to protect the integrity of the sport to the benefit of all racing participants, fans, and bettors.

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 Championship races, and $31 million in purses and awards, is scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The Championships will return to the West Coast in 2024 with Del Mar in Del Mar, California, set to host Nov. 1-2. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

Live Coverage to Also Feature the United Nations Stakes (G1)

STAMFORD, Conn. – July 20, 2023 – Kentucky Derby winner Mage headlines NBC Sports’ live coverage of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” $1 million TVG.com Haskell Stakes (G1) this Saturday at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock from Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J. The winner of the eight-horse field will earn an automatic berth into this year’s $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

The TVG.com Haskell Stakes begins NBC Sports’ 10^th year presenting the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” on NBC, Peacock, and CNBC from some of North America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the 40^th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Nov. 3-4. The complete series TV schedule can be accessed here and the NBC Sports programming schedule can be found here.

Saturday’s live coverage will also include the 1 3/8-mile, $600,000 United Nations Stakes (G1) on turf.

NBC Sports’ coverage will feature commentary and discussion led by host Britney Eurton, analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, winner of 15 Breeders’ Cup races including five victories in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, reporter Nick Luck, handicapper Michelle Yu, and race caller Larry Collmus.

Mage, owned by OGMA Investments, LLC, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing, LLC, and CMNWLTH, and trained by Gustavo Delgado, surged to the front in the final sixteenth of a mile to win the Kentucky Derby by a length. Two weeks later, he finished third in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 20. Listed as the 3-1 co-second choice, Mage will be ridden by Javier Castellano from post four.

“I believe the horse’s entire body of work and his entire career is what defines him. It’s not just one race,” said co-owner Restrepo. “It’s (the Haskell) the start of the second half of his 3-year-old year. We feel he’s good enough to compete and put forth a quality effort. Hopefully, that’s good enough to get the job done and put forth a great performance and keep it moving.”

Despite having made just one start this year, Zedan Racing Stable’s Arabian Knight is the 5-2 morning line favorite off a 5 ½-length win in the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park on Jan. 28. A victory by Arabian Knight would give Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending 10^th Haskell Stakes win. Undefeated in two starts, Arabian Knight will break from post eight under John Velazquez.

Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Stable’s Tapit Trice, also listed at 3-1, comes into the Haskell off a third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (G1). Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden from post five by Luis Saez, Tapit Trice has won three races this year, including the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1), which he won prior to his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

Coming in from the West Coast and making just his fourth career start is Pin Oak Stud’s Geaux Rocket Ride (9-2) for trainer Richard Mandella. Winner of the 1 1/16-mile Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita Park on June 4, Geaux Rocket Ride will be ridden by Mike Smith from post one.

Another runner making just his fourth start is Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Extra Anejo. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Extra Anejo won a 1-mile allowance race by 6 ¼ lengths at Ellis Park in his last race on June 10. Tyler Gaffalione rides, breaking from post seven.

In the United Nations Stakes, Trinity Farm’s veteran Red Knight has won two of four starts this year including the Grade 1 Man o’War Stakes at Belmont Park on May 13 for trainer Mike Maker. Red Knight will look to improve on his fourth-place finish last time out in the Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes (G1), also at Belmont. Richard Mandella has brought in California shipper Planetario (BRZ), who won the 1 ¾-mile San Juan Capistrano Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita on June 18.

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through an 80-race series hosted by 11 countries, and the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The Breeders’ Cup supports and operates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which, for the first time, establishes a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack. HISA seeks to enhance the safety of both horse and rider and to protect the integrity of the sport to the benefit of all racing participants, fans, and bettors.

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 Championship races, and $31 million in purses and awards, is scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The Championships will return to the West Coast in 2024 with Del Mar in Del Mar, California, set to host Nov. 1-2. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

–NBC SPORTS–

Series Continues for 10^th Year on NBC

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 11, 2023) ― The Breeders’ Cup today announced the 2023 “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” television schedule. Consisting of six live programs across NBC, CNBC, and FOX, the series features key automatic qualifying races at premier racetracks on the road to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Now in its 10th year with NBC Sports, the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” spotlights North America’s top horses as they compete for an automatic starting position, and free entry, into a corresponding divisional race at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The 40th Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

“We are delighted to continue our strong partnership with NBC, who have helped showcase the Breeders’ Cup to millions of fans over the past decade,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “I am also pleased we will expand our reach this summer through our new initiative with FOX and NYRA. As we seek to bring the most comprehensive and innovative coverage of horse racing to viewers across the country leading to the World Championships, these vital networks have a proven track record of delivering on that goal.”

All Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series coverage on NBC and CNBC will be simul-streamed on Peacock. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via authentication.

“We are excited to continue our longtime partnership with Breeders’ Cup, showcasing the world’s best horses in Challenge Series racing on NBC, CNBC, and Peacock, and culminating at Santa Anita in November at the World Championships,” said Gary Quinn, NBC Sports Vice President, Programming & Owned Properties.

Coverage of the 2023 Challenge Series will be anchored by three NBC broadcasts, one FOX broadcast, and two CNBC programs.

NBC and Peacock kick off the action July 1 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky with the Stephen Foster Stakes (G1), a Win and You’re In race for the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Up next on NBC and Peacock is another Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic qualifier, the July 22 Haskell Stakes (G1) from Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey.

On Aug. 12, Breeders’ Cup and NYRA will partner to provide special coverage of the Fourstardave Stakes (G1) on FOX, a Win and You’re In race for the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile Presented by PDJF (G1). The Fourstardave will be broadcast live from Saratoga Race Course in its 160^th season of racing.

NBC and Peacock resume coverage of the Challenge Series Sept. 16 from Woodbine Racetrack where the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) offers another spot in the starting gate for the Breeders’ Cup Mile. An automatic qualifying position for a Future Stars Friday turf race will also be on the line from the Ontario, Canada track.

A blockbuster day of racing will be presented Oct. 7 on CNBC and Peacock, with coverage from Santa Anita Park and Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Among the Santa Anita races, the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) offers a free starting spot in the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). From Keeneland, the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) awards a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) presents automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup Mile, and the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G1) offers a spot in the gate for the $1 million PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).  On Oct. 8 at Keeneland, the CNBC and Peacock presentation will feature the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1) and the Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2). The Spinster offers an automatic starting position in the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) and the Bourbon Stakes will give the winner a free spot into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Horses from around the globe will participate in the full Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, featuring 80 qualifying races in 11 countries. Many of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge races will also be televised on FanDuel TV, which will provide extensive special programming in the run-up to the World Championships. FanDuel, the Official ADW Partner, Official Sports Wagering Partner, Official Fantasy Sports Partner, and Official Mobile Casino Partner of the Breeders’ Cup, continues to serve as title partner of the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).

“Thanks to our strategic partner FanDuel, extensive coverage on FanDuel TV will bring even more exciting action to fans in the run-up to the World Championships,” Fleming said.

The complete Challenge Series television schedule can be viewed at BreedersCup.com/races/challenge-series.

ABOUT NBC SPORTS

NBC Sports connects people to the moments that matter most and serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. As the sports division of NBCUniversal, NBC Sports presents premier content across linear platforms NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, as well numerous digital sites, including Peacock. NBC Sports possesses an unparalleled collection of media rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, Big Ten Conference, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, Notre Dame, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, MLB, Tour de France, Roland-Garros, and many more. It also consists of NBC Sports Next, a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within its three groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting & Gaming.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through an 80-race series hosted by 11 countries, and the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The Breeders’ Cup supports and operates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which, for the first time, establishes a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack. HISA seeks to enhance the safety of both horse and rider and to protect the integrity of the sport to the benefit of all racing participants, fans, and bettors.

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 Championship races, and $31 million in purses and awards, is scheduled to be held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The Championships will return to the West Coast in 2024 with Del Mar in Del Mar, California, set to host Nov. 1-2. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

NBC Sports and Peacock Present Nine Hours of Live Coverage of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky

Live Coverage of the Richest Two Days in Horse Racing Begins This Friday at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network & Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on USA Network; Saturday Coverage on NBC and Peacock Begins at 3:30 p.m. ET

STAMFORD, Conn. – Nov. 1, 2022 – NBC Sports and Peacock present nine hours of live coverage of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships this weekend — the richest two days in horse racing — with a total of $31 million in prize money at stake in 14 races. Headlining the weekend’s coverage is the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock live from Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

Highlighting Saturday’s star-studded Breeders’ Cup Classic field is:

• Flightline: undefeated in five starts by a combined margin of 62 ¾ lengths, including a 19 ¼ length victory in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic, his most recent race;
• Epicenter: runner-up in the first two legs of this year’s Triple Crown who won the Grade 1 Travers in his most recent race and has finished second-or-better in every race since his debut 10 starts ago;
• Rich Strike: this year’s 80-1 longshot Kentucky Derby winner who is trained by Eric Reed and ridden by jockey Sonny Leon;
• Taiba: three-year-old who is a two-time Grade 1 winner and is trained by four-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bob Baffert;
• Life is Good: four-time Grade 1 winner who was victorious in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

Live racing coverage of the 39^th Breeders’ Cup World Championships begins this Friday featuring the Juveniles in action at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network. Five hours of live coverage on Saturday begins at 1 p.m. ET on USA Network and continues on NBC and Peacock at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Breeders’ Cup Classic has a post time of 5:40 p.m. ET. In addition to the Classic, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (3:55 p.m. ET post time) and Breeders’ Cup Turf (4:40 p.m. ET post time) will be presented live Saturday on NBC and Peacock.

COMMENTATORS: Ahmed Fareed hosts coverage on Friday and Saturday alongside analyst and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, who owns 15 Breeders’ Cup wins; analyst Randy Moss; reporters Britney Eurton, Kenny Rice, and Nick Luck; handicappers Eddie Olczyk and Matt Bernier; insights analyst Steve Kornacki; and Donna Brothers, who will report on horseback. Larry Collmus will call all of the Breeders’ Cup races.

NBC Sports’ handicapping “Betting the Breeders’ Cup” series previewing each of the 14 World Championship races will be presented across NBC Sports digital platforms beginning on Thursday. Eurton, Luck, Olczyk, Bernier, and Kornacki will be featured in the digital series.

NBC Sports’ weekend presentation will also feature:

• Breeders’ Cup “Contender Cam” footage. Each Breeders’ Cup horse will have a camera following them from the paddock out onto the track to allow viewers unique, one-of-a-kind access. Comprehensive coverage will be available to stream here
• A pair of jockey cam systems with audio
• A megalodon camera to share live-action footage of the fashion and flavors surrounding the Breeders’ Cup World Championships
• An outrider camera capturing intimate moments with the winning jockey immediately following races
• Backstretch cam on the Keeneland track
• An essay narrated by Tim Layden on the uniqueness surrounding Flightline and his relatively unheralded historic success throughout 2022
• A feature on Dirt Mile morning-line favorite Cody’s Wish and the story between human and horse connections
• Britney Eurton interviewing Lisa Lazarus, the CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority

• Celebrities making their Breeders’ Cup Classic picks

• Access to approximately 75 video sources, including cameras and feeds

NBC Sports’ coverage of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is produced by Lindsay Schanzer on Saturday, Billy Matthews on Friday, and directed by Kaare Numme. Executive producer and president, NBC Sports Production is Sam Flood.

Date	Event	Platform	Time (ET)
Fri., Nov. 4	Breeders’ Cup World Championships	USA Network	2 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 5	Breeders’ Cup World Championships	USA Network	1 p.m.
	Breeders’ Cup Classic	NBC, Peacock	3:30 p.m.

The Breeders’ Cup Classic is part of NBCUniversal’s “Big Event Weekend” featuring numerous high-profile events across NBC and Peacock this Saturday and Sunday (programming details below). For more on “Big Event Weekend,” click here.

Date	Event	Platform	Time (ET)
Sat., Nov. 5	Breeders’ Cup Classic	NBC, Peacock	3:30 p.m.
	No. 5 Clemson vs. Notre Dame	NBC, Peacock	7:30 p.m.
	Saturday Night Live	NBC, Peacock	11:30 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 6	NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race	NBC, Peacock	3 p.m.
	Sunday Night Football: Titans vs. Chiefs	NBC, Peacock	8:20 p.m.

BREEDERS’ CUP COVERAGE ON NBCSPORTS.COM & THE NBC SPORTS APP
NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app will stream live coverage to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via authentication, giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series.

 –NBC SPORTS–

Pair of One-Hour Programs on CNBC to be Headlined by the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Win and You’re In Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) on Saturday and Juddmonte Spinster (G1) on Sunday

STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 7, 2022 – Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., hosts two days of Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Win and You’re In live horse racing coverage this weekend, headlined by the $1 million Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) on Saturday and $600,000 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) on Sunday, at 5 p.m. ET both days on CNBC. Keeneland will also serve as host of the 39^th Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Nov. 4-5 presented across NBC Sports.

Saturday and Sunday’s coverage on CNBC mark the final two programs in this year’s “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing” on NBC, Peacock, and CNBC from some of North America’s most iconic racetracks. The complete series TV schedule can be accessed here and the NBC Sports programming schedule can be found here.

NBC Sports’ coverage will be led by host Ahmed Fareed, analyst Randy Moss, handicapper Matt Bernier, and reporters Britney Eurton and Nick Luck.

Godolphin’s 4-year-old Santin leads the 12-horse field with four also-eligibles in the Coolmore Turf Mile, which gives the winner a free berth into the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). Trained by Brendan Walsh, Santin has won two Grade 1 stakes races this year, taking the Old Forester Turf Classic in May at Churchill Downs, and after a sixth-place finish in the Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park in June, came back to win the Arlington Million at Churchill on Aug. 13. Tyler Gaffalione has the mount, breaking from post 7. The Bill Mott-trained Casa Creed has earned invitations into two World Championships races this year. Owned by LRE Racing LLC and JEH Racing Stable LLC, Casa Creed gained a free berth into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) when he captured the 6-furlong Jaipur Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park in June and then won the 1-mile Fourstardave Handicap (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 13 and gained an automatic starting position into the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile. Casa Creed will be ridden by Luis Saez from post nine.

From California, Cannon Thoroughbreds’ 5-year-old Smooth Like Strait led last year’s FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar until the final furlong before being overtaken by Modern Games (IRE) and finished a half-length behind in second. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Smooth Like Strait was second to Santin in the Arlington Million. John Velazquez rides Smooth Like Straight from post two.

Returning from Ireland to the scene of his greatest win is the Aidan O’Brien-trained Order of Australia (IRE), who came off the also-eligible list before the 2020 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Keeneland and won it by a neck at odds of 73-1. Owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Anne-Marie O’Brien, Order of Australia captured this year’s Romanised Minstrel Stakes (G2) at The Curragh in Ireland on July 17. Christophe Soumillon has the mount, breaking from post three.

One race prior to the Coolmore Turf Mile, a Win and You’re In berth in the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) will be up for grabs in the $600,000 Keeneland Breeders’ Futurity (G1) for 2-year-olds. A full field of 14 plus two also-eligibles has been entered, led by 3-1 morning line favorite Forte. Owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, Forte won the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on Sept. 5, splashing home in the mud to a 3-length victory under Irad Ortiz Jr., who retains the mount, breaking from post seven.

Two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox won the Breeders’ Futurity and the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2020 with Essential Quality, one of five horses to capture both races. On Saturday, Cox sends out impressive maiden winner Loggins for Spendthrift Farm LLC, Steve Landers Racing LLC, Martin Schwartz, Michael Dubb, Ten Strike Racing, Jim Bakke, Titletown Racing Stables, Kueber Racing, Big Easy Racing, and Winners Win. On Sept. 17 at Churchill Downs, Loggins won a 6 ½-furlong maiden special weight by a widening 8 ½ lengths. Florent Geroux has the mount, breaking from post two.

Sunday’s $600,000 Juddmonte Spinster for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles, gives the winner a free starting position into the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). St. George Stable’s Letruska won last year’s Spinster before finishing a disappointing 10^th in the Distaff at Del Mar. Still, she had a marvelous season of six wins, four of them Grade 1 scores, which lifted her to the Older Dirt Female Eclipse Award. Trained by Fausto Gutierrez, the 6-year-old Letruska has two wins in four starts this year, including the Grade 1 Apple Blossom in April at Oaklawn Park. Letruska will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione from post 3.

Shadwell Stable’s Malathaat, trained by Todd Pletcher, won last year’s Central Bank Ashland at Keeneland (G1), the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), and the Alabama Stakes (G1) to propel her to the 3-year-old filly Championship. This year, the daughter of 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Curlin has won the Baird Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) at Keeneland’s spring meeting, and most recently, the Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 27. John Velazquez will ride Malathaat, breaking from post one.

The $350,000 Bourbon Stakes (G2), for 2-year-olds on the grass course, precedes the Spinster. The winner receives an invitation to the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). The field of 12 and four also-eligibles is led by Breeze Easy and John Oxley’s Boppy O. Trained by Mark Casse, Boppy O started twice in dirt races before making his turf debut in the With Anticipation Stakes (G3) at Saratoga on Aug. 31, and won it by a neck at 23-1. The Florida-bred son of Bolt d’Oro will be ridden from post six by Dylan Davis.

Reckoning Force, owned by Fergus Galvin, Marc Detampel, and Magnolia Racing Syndicate, and trained by Brendan Walsh, broke his maiden in his fourth start, winning the listed Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes on Sept. 14. Joel Rosario will ride, breaking from post three. The Steve Asmussen-trained Gigante is also a stakes winner. Owned by Iapetus Racing and Diamond T Racing, Gigante won the black-type Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes at Colonial Downs on Sept. 6 by 6 ¾ lengths. Vincent Cheminaud has the mount on Gigante, starting from post nine.

As part of the benefits, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees for all Challenge Series winners to start in the World Championships. Breeders’ Cup will also provide a $10,000 travel allowance for all starters based outside of Kentucky to compete in the World Championships.

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series.

ABOUT AMERICA’S BEST RACING

America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. You can follow America’s Best Racing at AmericasBestRacing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, is scheduled to be held on November 4-5 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

–NBC SPORTS–

Two-Hour Broadcast to Feature Four Races, Including the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Win and You’re In Champagne (G1) and Miss Grillo (G2)

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 29, 2022 – Two-year-olds take center stage in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Win and You’re In $500,000 Champagne (G1) and $200,000 Miss Grillo (G2) this Saturday headlining NBC Sports’ live horse racing coverage from Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, N.Y., live on NBC and Peacock at 4 p.m. ET.

The two-hour broadcast, also featuring the $500,000 Woodward (G1) and $200,000 Belmont Turf Sprint (G3), is the seventh program this year in the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing” on NBC, Peacock, and CNBC from some of North America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the 39^th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, on Nov. 4-5. The complete series TV schedule can be accessed here and the NBC Sports programming schedule can be found here.

NBC Sports’ coverage will be led by host Ahmed Fareed, analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey, winner of 15 Breeders’ Cup races, including five victories in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and reporters Britney Eurton and Nick Luck.

Breeders’ Cup champion Life Is Good, owned by CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm, and trained by seven-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher, will be the prohibitive favorite in the 1 1/8-mile Woodward on the strength of his previous Grade 1 victories this year in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park, and in the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga, in which he earned an automatic berth into the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). An eight-time winner in 10 starts, the four-year-old son of Tapit captured last year’s Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Del Mar. Pletcher is also starting Cypress Creek Equine, Arnold Bennewith, and Spendthrift Farm’s 4-year-old Keepmeinmind, who finished fifth in The Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga on Sept. 3.

Informative, a five-year-old owned and trained by Uriah St. Lewis, comes into the race after a hard-fought 1 ½-length win in the Philip H. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park (G3) on Aug. 30. Twin Creeks Racing Stables LLC’s Law Professor also comes into the Woodward off a victory. Trained by Rob Atras, the four-year-old Law Professor won the listed FanDuel Tapit Stakes at Kentucky Downs on turf on Sept. 1.

The 1-mile Champagne Stakes for two-year-olds will give the winner a free berth into the $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). The Brad Cox-trained Verifying figures to draw great interest after an impressive, frontrunning 6-furlong maiden special weight victory at Saratoga on Aug. 27 for owners Jonathan Poulin, Westerberg, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor. Mr. Amore Stables’ Andiamo a Firenze has won two of three starts for trainer Kelly Breen. In his previous race, Andiamo a Firenze captured the black type, 6 ½-furlong Funny Cide Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 26 by 5 ½ lengths over a muddy track.

William and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm, Whispering Oaks Farm LLC, and Coolmore Stud’s Gulfport finished second in the 7-furlong Hopeful Stakes (G1) over a sloppy track at Saratoga on Sept. 5 as the even-money favorite. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Gulfport, a son of 2010 Champagne Stakes (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Uncle Mo, has won two of his four starts including the listed Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs in July.

Michael J. Ryan’s Be Your Best (IRE) leads the field of two-year-old fillies in the Miss Grillo Stakes on turf, which gives the winner an invitation to the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1). Unbeaten in two starts at Saratoga, Be Your Best, trained by Horacio De Paz, captured the listed, 1 1/16-mile P.G. Johnson Stakes on Sept. 1 by a widening 3 ¾ lengths as the 7-5 favorite.  Trainer Chad Brown has saddled seven winners of the Miss Grillo, and three of those winners — Maram, New Money Honey, and Newspaperofrecord (IRE) — went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. This year, Brown has entered Klaravich Stables’ Free Look, who finished third behind Be Your Best on debut in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight at Saratoga on July 31. Free Look broke her maiden at 1 1/16 miles at Saratoga in her next start on Sept. 4.

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees for the winners of the Champagne and the Miss Grillo to start in the World Championships. Breeders’ Cup will also provide a $10,000 travel allowance for all starters based outside of Kentucky to compete in the World Championships.

Trainer David Donk has entered two runners for the 6-furlong Belmont Turf Sprint in Thin White Duke and Yes and Yes. Owned by Phil Gleaves, Steven Crist, Ken deRegt, and Bryan Hilliard, Thin White Duke won the listed 5 ½-furlong Lucky Coin Stakes by a nose on Sept. 2 at Saratoga. Gleaves, Joseph R. Strauss, and Hugh Fitzsimmons’ Yes and Yes finished third, but was moved up to second due to interference by the runner-up in the black type 5 ½-furlong Woodford Reserve Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs on Sept. 6.

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series.

ABOUT AMERICA’S BEST RACING

America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. You can follow America’s Best Racing at AmericasBestRacing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, is scheduled to be held on November 4-5 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

–NBC SPORTS–

Hour-Long Program to Feature the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) and FanDuel Turf Sprint (G2)

STAMFORD, Conn. – Sept. 9, 2022 – The $1 million Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) and $1 million FanDuel Turf Sprint (G2) headline NBC Sports’ Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series coverage this Saturday at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky., live on CNBC at 5 p.m. ET.

The hour-long telecast is the sixth program this year in the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – presented by America’s Best Racing” on NBC, Peacock, and CNBC from some of North America’s most iconic racetracks. The series leads to the 39^th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, on Nov. 4-5. The complete series TV schedule can be accessed here and the NBC Sports programming schedule can be found here.

NBC Sports’ coverage will be led by host Ahmed Fareed, analyst and handicapper Matt Bernier, and reporter Nick Luck.

The remarkable 8-year-old Arklow, who has earned more than $3 million in career earnings, will be running in his fifth consecutive Kentucky Turf Cup, which gives the winner an automatic starting position into the $4 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). Owned by Donegal Racing and Joseph Bulger, and trained by Brad Cox, Arklow won the 1 ½-mile Turf Cup in 2018 and in 2020 and finished second in 2019 and in 2021. Arklow has run in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf three times, with his best finish being a fourth-place effort in 2018. He made his 2022 debut in the Bowling Green Stakes (G2) at Saratoga on July 31, finishing second, a half-length behind Rockemperor (IRE).

Otter Bend Stable’s Gufo, the 7-5 morning line favorite, earned a free berth into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf when he captured the Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, coming from seventh place at the top of the stretch to win by a half-length. Trained by Christophe Clement, Gufo has won nine races in 19 starts, including this year’s Pan American Stakes presented by Rood & Riddle (G2) at Gulfstream Park. Another veteran in the field is Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher’s 6-year-old gelding Temple. Trained by Mike Maker, Temple finished third, less than a length behind the winner, in the 1 3/8-mile United Nations Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 23. In March, Temple won his seventh career race, taking the Mac Diarmida Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park. Maker is also starting Trinity Farm’s 6-year-old New York-bred gelding Red Knight, who won his 2022 debut after an 11-month layoff, capturing the black type 1 ½-mile Colonial Downs Stakes on July 27.

The 6-furlong FanDuel Turf Sprint, which will be run prior to the Turf Cup, drew a full field of 12 starters and three also-eligibles. The race winner will receive an invitation into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1). Trainer Wesley Ward, who won last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint with Golden Pal, is saddling Lael Stables’ 4-year-old Arrest Me Red, the 9-5 morning line favorite. A six-time winner in 10 starts, Arrest Me Red took the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) in May at Churchill Downs and finished second by a half-length to Casa Creed in the Jaipur Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on June 11, which was also a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

The well-traveled Sonata Stable’s 4-year-old Arzak, who has raced at 11 tracks, will be making his Kentucky Downs debut on Saturday. Trained by Michael Trombetta, Arzak has won two of four starts this year, both at Woodbine in Canada, taking the black type Thornhill Stakes and the Grade 3 Jacques Cartier Stakes. He comes into the race off a fourth-place finish in the Troy Stakes (G3) at Saratoga on Aug. 5, less than a length behind winner Golden Pal.

Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable, and Jerry Zaro’s 7-year-old gelding Chewing Gum started the year off right with a victory on Jan. 1 in the Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park for trainer Bill Mott. He did not race again until July 23 in the Connaught Cup Stakes (G2) at Woodbine, where he finished fourth.

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees for the winners of the Kentucky Turf Cup and the FanDuel Turf Sprint to start in the World Championships. Breeders’ Cup will also provide a $10,000 travel allowance for all starters based outside of Kentucky to compete in the World Championships.

NBC SPORTS AND HORSE RACING

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series.

ABOUT AMERICA’S BEST RACING

America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. You can follow America’s Best Racing at AmericasBestRacing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred horse racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The Breeders’ Cup is also a founding member of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition, an organization composed of industry leaders committed to advancing safety measures in Thoroughbred racing and improving the well-being of equine and human athletes.

The 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Championship races, is scheduled to be held on November 4-5 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

–NBC SPORTS–