The Breeders’ Cup Classic is considered by many to be the premier North American Thoroughbred race of the year. It is contested at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs) on the main track and it draws many of the top racehorses from North America and Europe.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is considered by many to be the premier North American Thoroughbred race of the year. It is contested at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs) on the main track and it draws many of the top racehorses from North America and Europe.
First run in 1984, the race is often a stop for Horse of the Year contenders with Ferdinand (1987), Alysheba (1988), Sunday Silence (1989), Black Tie Affair (1991), A.P. Indy (1992), Cigar (1995), Tiznow (2000), Ghostzapper (2004), Saint Liam (2005), Invasor (2006), Curlin (2007), American Pharoah (2015), and Gun Runner (2017) all winning the Breeders' Cup Classic during their championship campaign. Tiznow is the only horse to win the Classic twice (2000-2001) and Zenyatta is the only female to win the Classic (2009).