The Breeders’ Cup provided more evidence of increased interest in racing during the 2025 season as NBC Sports reported strong ratings. Beyond those viewers, it’s important to remember that fans reach this event through a number of other outlets.
As the dust settles on another Breeders’ Cup, new stars have emerged, familiar faces reaffirmed their greatness, and the 2025 racing season moves closer to the finish line with storylines that have reshaped the Equibase Leaderboard.
The annual Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) tournament presents handicappers with a chance to hit the score of a lifetime and become a champion horseplayer in an event held in conjunction with horse racing’s biggest championship days. This year, that champion was Dave Smyth, a 50-year-old financial advisor from Lexington, Ky., who topped a field of 635 entries to take home total winnings of $607,800 and the title of 2025 BCBC champion Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar.
Welcome to Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles, where we take a look each week at a recent winner on the Road to the Derby schedule from which racehorses earn points toward qualifying for the 1 ¼-mile classic race May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs.
Fasig-Tipton’s November Sale, the company’s prestigious breeding stock sale, takes place Nov. 3 in Lexington with some of the highest-quality weanlings, broodmares, and broodmare or racing prospects in North America on offer.
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