The Breeders’ Cup World Championships provides an exclamation point to the racing season at the end of each year. Huge purses, top-class horses, and large fields promise the crowning of champions and cashing of big winning bets.

But just what is the Breeders’ Cup, and why is it so important? With the 2019 edition just two weeks away, here’s a primer on the sport’s biggest weekend and why it’s a yearly highlight for racing fans.

When I arrived at the Retired Racehorse Project’s (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover Presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Kentucky Horse Park was already buzzing that evening.

Though the event didn’t officially start until Wednesday morning, more than 450 recently retired Thoroughbreds had made their way to Lexington, Ky. After passing a mandatory wellness exam upon arrival, show-week preparations began as their riders took them to check out the grounds and prepare for the week ahead.

THE ARRIVAL EXAM