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Oaklawn’s Apple Blossom Handicap Joins Elite Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series
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HOT SPRINGS, AR — The Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap has been officially added to the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In.
As part of the Challenge Series, the winner of the Apple Blossom will receive an automatic starting position, with all entry fees waived, into the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). The announcement by Breeders’ Cup Limited and Oaklawn Racing Thoroughbred Resort affirms Oaklawn’s premier race for top older dirt females as the spring feature on the Road to the Breeders’ Cup.
Zenyatta, Azeri, and Paseana, all multiple winners of the Apple Blossom, have gone on to win in Breeders’ Cup races, supporting the ‘Win and You’re In’ caliber of the Apple Blossom. Bringing it into the Challenge Series is a natural evolution that rewards the excellence but begs the question, “What took so long?”
Apple Blossom Winners & Breeders’ Cup Success
| Horse | Apple Blossom Year(s) | Breeders’ Cup Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Thorpedo Anna | 2025 | Winner, 2024 Breeders’ Cup Distaff |
| Ce Ce | 2020 | Winner, 2021 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint |
| Zenyatta | 2008, 2010 | Winner, 2009 BC Classic; Winner, 2008 BC Ladies’ Classic |
| Azeri | 2002, 2003, 2004 | Winner, 2002 Breeders’ Cup Distaff |
| Bayakoa (ARG) | 1989 | Two-time Winner, Breeders’ Cup Distaff (1989, 1990) |
| Paseana (ARG) | 1992, 1993 | Winner, 1992 Breeders’ Cup Distaff |
| Midnight Bisou | 2019 | Runner-up, 2019 Breeders’ Cup Distaff |
| Forever Unbridled | 2016 | Winner, 2017 Breeders’ Cup Distaff |
Incentivized to Run
As the centerpiece of Oaklawn’s Racing Festival of the South, and now part of the Challenge Series, the Apple Blossom offers owners and trainers significant financial incentives:
- Automatic Berth: The winner earns a guaranteed spot in the starting gate for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
- Fee Waivers: Breeders’ Cup Limited will pay the pre-entry and entry fees for the winning horse.
- Travel Stipend: A $10,000 travel allowance will be provided for any winner based outside of the host site’s state.
“This is a tremendous milestone for Oaklawn and for one of the most prestigious races in American racing,” said Louis Cella, President of Oaklawn.
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