From Bloodhorse.com
DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2023) — The Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end global championship event, announced that the 41st Breeders’ Cup World Championships would take place at Del Mar next year, marking the third time the Southern California track will serve as host of the two-day event. The 2024 dates for the Breeders’ Cup are Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships consists of 14 grade 1 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million, drawing the many of the world’s best horses, trainers, and jockeys to compete. An event that rotates among host sites, the Breeders’ Cup has been staged exclusively in California and Kentucky since 2008.
Fans interested in ticket information for the 2024 World Championships can sign up here.
“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. 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. “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.”
With its location, Del Mar is unique in its picturesque natural backdrop, and its village town center promises to attract domestic and international visitors.
“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 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 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
According to the Tourism Marketing District, the 2017 Breeders’ Cup generated approximately $96 million in economic impact, including $3.6 million in hotel room revenue.
In 2021, the World Championship operated at 50% capacity due to pandemic reopening protocols. Still, Del Mar propelled a then-record all-sources handle for the World Championships of $183,260,127. Knicks Go highlighted the 2021 event winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic wire to wire and the first-ever victories by horses based in Japan as Loves Only You won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) and Marche Lorraine 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, Calif., on Nov. 3-4.