The Breeders' Cup is a two-day, eleven-race championship held at the end of October every year. The races, which attract the best horses from around the world, are worth a total of $23 million.
In Horses Forever, horses qualify for the Breeders' Cup every year through various processes. In 2006, the first year the Breeders' Cup was run in HF, horses qualified for whichever race they wanted based on TBHA points earned throughout the racing season. In 2007, horses qualified by entering one of three races corresponding to a specific Breeders' Cup race. The top four finishers in each of these races was automatically entered into that Breeders' Cup race. The system will probably continue to change over the years until we find a system that is simple yet realistic and fair.
The Breeders' Cup Races
Juvenile (Grade I)
1 1/16 miles on dirt or synthetic track
Two-year old colts and geldings
Purse: $2,000,000
Past Winners: SS Caught Red Handed (2007), Mr. Vain (2006)
RL Winners Include: Street Sense (2006), Favorite Trick (1997), Unbridled's Song (1996), Chief's Crown (1984)
Juvenile Fillies (Grade I)
1 1/16 miles on dirt or synthetic track
Two-year old fillies
Purse: $2,000,000
Past Winners: SS Undeniably Royal (2007), Flagship (2006)
RL Winners Include: Silverbulletday (1998), Countess Diana (1997), Go for Wand (1989)
Filly & Mare Turf (Grade I)
1 3/8 miles on turf
Fillies and mares, three-year olds and upward
Purse: $2,000,000
Past Winners: SS Jazzy Cat (2007), Flying West (2006)
RL Winners Include: Ouija Board (2006, 2004), Perfect Sting (2000), Soaring Softly (1999)
Sprint (Grade I)
6 furlongs on dirt or synthetic track
Three-year olds and upward
Purse: $2,000,000
Past Winners: Medianoche Miracle (2007), Rainbow Ties (2006)
RL Winners Include: Speightstown (2004), Orientate (2002), Gulch (1988)
Mile (Grade I)
1 mile on turf
Three-year olds and upward
Purse: $2,000,000
Past Winners: Salsa Beat (2007), NineOneOne (2006)
RL Winners Include: War Chant (2000), Da Hoss (1998, 1996), Lure (1993, 1992), Miesque (1988, 1987)
Distaff (Grade I)
1 1/8 miles on dirt or synthetic track
Fillies and mares, three-year olds and upward
Purse: $2,000,000
Past Winners: Sheza Bomb Shell (2007), Ivy's Undone Shoelace (2006)
RL Winners Include: Ashado (2004), Azeri (2002), Personal Ensign (1988), Lady's Secret (1986)
Turf (Grade I)
1 1/2 miles on turf
Three-year olds and upward
Purse: $3,000,000
Past Winners: Broke the Crystal (2007), SS Play Fair (2006)
RL Winners Include: Shirocco (2005), High Chaparral (2003-DH, 2002), Johar (2003-DH), Theatrical (1987)
Classic (Grade I)
1 1/4 miles on dirt or synthetic track
Three-year olds and upward
Purse: $5,000,000
Past Winners: KC Duke's Niveau (2007), SS Breaking Point (2006)
RL Winners Include: Invasor (2006), Ghostzapper (2004), Tiznow (2001, 2000), Cigar (1995), A.P. Indy (1992), Ferdinand (1987)