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Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Be Hosted at Del Mar in 2025, Keeneland in 2026, and Belmont Park in 2027
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The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, one of Thoroughbred horse racing’s most prestigious international events, will be hosted at three iconic venues over the next three years: Del Mar in 2025, Keeneland in 2026, and Belmont Park in 2027. This multi-year announcement, made on May 28, 2025, highlights the organization’s commitment to showcasing top-tier racing across diverse locations in the United States while promoting the sport’s growth and economic impact.
Del Mar to Host in 2025
In 2025, the Breeders’ Cup will return to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Southern California on October 31 and November 1. This marks the second consecutive year at Del Mar, a historic first since Santa Anita hosted the event in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Del Mar, known for its scenic “where the turf meets the surf” setting, will host the championships for the fourth time since 2017, continuing its role as a key venue alongside other regular sites like Santa Anita and Churchill Downs.
Keeneland Set for 2026
Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, will host the 2026 Breeders’ Cup on October 30-31, pending approval by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. This will be Keeneland’s fourth time hosting the event, following successful championships in 2015, 2020, and 2022. The Lexington track, a cornerstone of the Thoroughbred breeding industry, is undergoing a significant $100 million-plus capital construction project, including a new three-level Paddock Building set to open in fall 2025. This development will enhance the fan experience with new dining options, bar concepts, and improved views of the pre-race pageantry, reinforcing Keeneland’s reputation for excellence in racing.
Belmont Park’s Return in 2027
In 2027, the Breeders’ Cup will return to Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, on October 29-30, marking its fifth time hosting the event and the first since 2005. Belmont Park is currently undergoing a $455 million renovation, with a new, modern grandstand expected to reopen in September 2026. The significantly smaller 275,000-square-foot facility, compared to the previous 1.25 million-square-foot structure, was designed with major events like the Breeders’ Cup in mind. New York Racing Association President and CEO David O’Rourke emphasized the economic benefits, noting that hosting the championships will allow local trainers and horsemen to compete on their home tracks while generating an estimated $100 million for the New York economy.
A Commitment to Growth
The rotation of these venues reflects the Breeders’ Cup’s mission to grow the sport by hosting its world-class races at various tracks across the country. Since 2008, the event has primarily been held at California and Kentucky tracks, but the inclusion of Belmont Park signals a return to the Eastern time zone, broadening the event’s geographic reach. The two-day festival, featuring the world’s top Thoroughbreds and tens of millions of dollars in purses, continues to be a highlight of the global racing calendar.
For more information on the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, including ticket packages and event details, visit breederscup.com.
Copyright © 2025. This article is based on publicly available information from sources including NBC Sports, Sports Business Journal, and Breeders’ Cup official announcements. All rights reserved to their respective owners.
