The Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end global championship event, announced the 2024 World Championships will take place at Del Mar on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, where fans from around the world will gather to witness the best horses, trainers, and jockeys compete over two days. The Breeders’ Cup World Championships consists of 14 Grade 1 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million.
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“We are delighted to announce that the World Championships will be returning to Del Mar next year for what is sure to be an unforgettable two-year-run on the West Coast,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO. “Breeders’ Cup has always been a strong supporter of California racing and we look forward to showcasing this wonderful venue once again to our horsemen and fans from around the world.”
Planning with Del Mar management and staff is already underway to bring the best of racing and hospitality to visiting fans, horsemen, and San Diego/Del Mar area locals alike. Located on the Pacific coastline, just north of San Diego, Del Mar is one of the world’s most recognizable and scenic racing venues.
“We’re excited for the return of Breeders’ Cup to Del Mar in 2024. The prestige of the event combined with our venue’s iconic, seaside setting makes for an extraordinary weekend,” said Josh Rubinstein, president of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “Additionally, we are grateful for the economic support the Championship races bring to our community. This is a milestone event for San Diego and we look forward to building upon the record-breaking success in 2017 and 2021.”
Del Mar, “Where the Turf Meets the Surf,” will serve as the world championships host site for a third time. With its breathtaking location, Del Mar is unique in its picturesque natural backdrop, and its village town center promises to attract domestic and international visitors seeking beautiful beaches, award-winning cuisine, and boutique hotels.
“We’re thrilled San Diego has been selected to host the Breeders’ Cup again in 2024,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “Hosting prestigious international events like this one gives us the opportunity to showcase our beautiful region to fans and industry leaders from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the best in horse racing talent back to Del Mar for an exciting event.”
As a host site in 2017 and 2021, Del Mar drew fans from around the world to its iconic grounds to celebrate one of international racing’s biggest weekends, and set wagering records on both occasions. At the 2017 World Championships, the two-day on-track wagering handle established a Breeders’ Cup record of $25,181,317. The Championships were highlighted by Gun Runner’s front-running victory in the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Moreover, the 2017 Breeders’ Cup generated approximately $96 million in economic impact, including $3.6 million in hotel room revenue, according to the Tourism Marketing District.
In 2021, the World Championship operated at 50 percent capacity due to pandemic reopening protocols. Still, Del Mar propelled a then-record all-sources handle for the World Championships of $183,260,127. The 2021 Championships were highlighted by Knicks Go winning the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic wire to wire, and the first-ever victories by horses based in Japan as Loves Only You (JPN) won the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) and Marche Lorraine (JPN) captured the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
This year’s 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, on Nov. 3 and 4.
