Breeders’ Cup Selection Process

ELMONT, NY - OCTOBER 28: A jockey rides his horse during a morning training session on October 28, 2005 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The Breeders Cup will be held here on October 29. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)A maximum of 14 horses can qualify to run each of the Breeders’ Cup races other than the Dirt Mile, Juvenile Fillies Turf and Juvenile Turf, each of which is limited to 12 starters.

The Breeders’ Cup selection process is a two-part system. The first seven runners for each race qualify via a points system, with points earned in American graded stakes races.

The remaining starters for each race - where a race has too large a number of pre-entries - are chosen by a panel of racing directors and secretaries. The criteria used by the panel to select horses for the 2009 races will include performance in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge races, ranking in the points system, and the judgment of a panel of racing experts.

Breeders’ Cup Challenge

In addition, the winners of 24 races that form part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge series will gain automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup race in their corresponding divisions - a new feature of the Breeders’ Cup selection process initiated in 2007.

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge series races for 2009 are due to be held at six tracks, including Saratoga, Arlington Park, Del Mar, Belmont Park, Keeneland and Santa Anita Park.

All winners of the Challenge races who wish to gain automatic qualification via the new Breeders’ Cup selection process must pre-enter by the deadline given by the Breeders Cup officials.

Don’t miss the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships - the 26th edition of one of the world’s most prestigious series of thoroughbred races.