Horse racing has long been a beloved sport with a rich history, but few events have done as much to elevate its global profile as the Breeders’ Cup. Established in 1984, this prestigious series of Grade 1 Thoroughbred horse races has become a central fixture in the racing calendar, attracting top-notch talent worldwide.
The Breeders’ Cup is not just a showcase of equine excellence; it represents a significant effort to bring the sport to an international audience, melding tradition with innovation.
The event has been instrumental in expanding horse racing’s global reach by showcasing outstanding horses and jockeys. This has created a sense of community and enthusiasm among spectators and competitors.
A Platform for International Competitors
The Breeders’ Cup stands out as a premier event in horse racing, renowned not only for its prestigious races but also for its role as a global platform for international competitors.
Each year, the event attracts top-tier horses, trainers, and jockeys from various countries, fostering a spirit of competition that transcends borders. The allure of competing on a grand stage like the Breeders’ Cup is irresistible, with sizable purses and the coveted titles up for grabs.
Racetracks worldwide recognize the significance of this event and encourage their most exceptional contenders to participate. Including international competitors adds rich diversity to the races, presenting a unique opportunity for racing enthusiasts to witness a clash of the best from each continent.
This truly global event is an annual celebration of the finest in horse racing, drawing worldwide attention from fans and media.
The FanDuel Breeders Cup is known for its robust international participation. It has become a beacon highlighting local competitors’ prowess and showcasing international participants’ talent and strategy on a world-class platform.
This integration of global talent underscores the Breeders’ Cup’s reputation as an inclusive and highly competitive event in the horse racing calendar.
Broadcast and Media Exposure
The Breeders’ Cup has leveraged media partnerships to broaden its reach. Breeders’ Cup Limited, the horse race operator for the US Breeders’ Cup World Championships, has agreed to an exclusive media deal with 1/ST Content.
This agreement covers content rights, data, fixed odds, and signals for the Championships, one of the premier US horse racing calendar events. 1/ST Content will distribute broadcast and video streaming content for fixed-odds wagering to its international sportsbook partners outside North America.
In order to increase the reach of the worldwide championship event, Justin McDonald, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President for Breeders’ Cup Limited, expressed their excitement about extending and renewing their partnership with 1/ST CONTENT.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championship will occur at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Southern California, featuring the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.
1/ST Content’s roster now includes significant partnerships with prominent North American racetracks, such as the Pegasus World Championship and Canada’s Assiniboia Downs, and a deal with France Galop to strengthen European and US racing connections.
Additionally, Social media campaigns and live streaming options have further enhanced accessibility, allowing fans from even the remotest regions to participate in the event virtually.
Economic Impact and Tourism
The 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, held at Keeneland Race Course, had a substantial economic impact on Lexington, Ky., and its surroundings, with an estimated total of $81,846,897.
This figure, derived from a study by Dr. Thomas E. Lambert, an Economics Professor at the University of Louisville, is the second-highest in the event’s history, surpassed only by the 2017 record at Del Mar.
These results highlight the growing significance of the Breeders’ Cup, its associated festival, and Thoroughbred racing, underscoring their vital contributions to local communities.
Additionally, the 2022 event set a new global wagering record of $189.1 million, a 3.4 percent increase from the previous record in 2021. Future Stars Friday and Championship Saturday achieved record wagering totals of $66.1 million and $122.9 million, respectively.
The study also detailed the economic benefits:
- $30.5 million from on-track activities, including wagering, concessions, and merchandise.
- $33.6 million from hotels, dining, transportation, and entertainment expenditures, and $10 million in investments for Keeneland’s improvements. Of this, $7.5 million was attributed to local labor and material costs, resulting in an estimated $17.5 million boost for the Lexington economy.
Furthermore, state and local tax revenues amounted to $900,000, while federal tax revenues reached $5.3 million.
Advancing the Sport’s Reputation
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships has established itself as a premier event in horse racing, significantly enhancing the sport’s reputation and international appeal.
Since its inception in 1984, the event has grown from a one-day affair to a two-day spectacle, drawing top horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys worldwide. Its competitive platform, marked by high stakes and lucrative purses, attracts the best in the sport, creating an arena where elite talent competes.
The Breeders’ Cup’s commitment to innovation, particularly in broadcasting, has helped extend its reach globally, with live races broadcast to millions in over 120 countries. This international exposure bridges continents and expands the sport’s fan base and appeal.
Furthermore, the Breeders’ Cup promotes the highest equine welfare and integrity standards within horse racing.
Through stringent drug policies and advanced veterinary practices, the organization underscores its dedication to the health and safety of the horses, bolstering the event’s credibility and positively influencing public perception of the sport.
Strategic partnerships with international racing authorities ensure that the World Championships remain a globally inclusive competition, encouraging participation from leading racing nations like the UK, Japan, and Australia.
Conclusion
The Breeders’ Cup stands as a testament to the power of sports in bridging cultural gaps and fostering international cooperation. Through its promotion of high-quality competition, strategic media outreach, and positive economic impact, the event has been instrumental in elevating the profile of horse racing worldwide.
