Breeders’ Cup History

Breeders’ Cup history began on 23 April 1982, when John R. Gaines - a leading owner and breeder - announced plans for a Breeders’ Cup Limited multimillion-dollar series of races at an award luncheon following the Kentucky Derby Festival.

A consortium of North American racing organizations, led by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, founded the Breeders’ Cup Limited company in 1982. The aim of the company was to promote racing and to help unite the racing industry - both aims achieved through the now hugely prestigious group of Grade 1 races that make up the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

The first Breeders’ Cup was hosted in 1984 at Hollywood Park. Since then, the results of the Breeders’ Cup races have been a determining factor in Eclipse Award voting, with many race winners going on to win Eclipse Awards as champion horses. In 2006, each and every Eclipse Award winner participated in the Breeders’ Cup.

Top American thoroughbreds who’ve won at the Breeders’ Cup include the likes of Azeri, A.P. Indy, Alysheba, Cigar, Personal Ensign, Ferdinand, Sunday Silence and Invasor. Notable European victors in Breeders’ Cup history have included the Aga Khan’s Lashkari, who won the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Turf in 1984; the mare Miesque, who won the Mile twice; and Arcangues, who put in a staggering performance in winning the 1993 Classic. Since 1998, top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has clocked up three Breeders’ Cup wins.

The 2008 Breeders’ Cup is due to be held at Santa Anita Park in California. In previous years, the championships have been held at courses including Monmouth Park in New Jersey, Churchill Downs (home to the Kentucky Derby), Belmont Park, Lone Star Park, Arlington Park, Gulfstream Park, the Woodbine Racetrack in Canada, and the Hollywood Park Racetrack.

Don’t miss the continuation of Breeders’ Cup history in 2008 at Santa Anita Park.

For live horse race betting we use William Hill, one of the world's largest betting companies.