An unprecedented 255 pre-entries have set a record for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, as the finest contenders from around the globe prepare to converge on historic Keeneland Race Course for Thoroughbred racing’s premier two-day festival of racing.
Representing a record 222 individual horses, including 79 international contenders – the second-highest number in history behind 80 in 2024 – the exceptional lineup underscores the global prestige of the World Championships and sets the stage for a spectacular edition Oct. 30-31 in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region. The international reach of the World Championships is once again reflected in the breadth of its pre-entries, with horses bred in 10 countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, and the United States) on six continents (Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America).
Disappointingly, just two Canadian/Ontario-breds were entered and neither of them, CANADA or MY BOY PRINCE, is expected to draw into the fields for the Juvenile Turf or Turf Sprint, respectively.
Woodbine-based trainers Stevem Chircop and Kevin Attard pre-entered the one-two finishers of the Grade 3 Algonquin Stakes, Mrs D and Go for Launch, in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, but they are 24th and 19th on the list. Go For Launch, a diminutive Kentucky-bred by Flightline, was also entered in the one-mile Juvenile Filly Turf as her second preference and has drawn in.
Headlining the two-day championship is Japan’s Forever Young (JPN), whose historic victory in last year’s $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) marked a defining moment for Japanese racing. Forever Young will return to defend his title against a world-class group of challengers when the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic resumes its traditional position as the final race on Saturday’s card, bringing the World Championships to a dramatic conclusion at 6:16 p.m. ET. The marquee event anchors a festival worth more than $34 million in purses and awards, highlighted by 14 Grade 1 races.
The pre-entries can be viewed here.
More News
