The 2026 edition of the Breeders’ Cup is already a record-breaking affair after an unprecedented 255 pre-entries were accepted for the World Championships Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course.
The story of Skip Away begins with Carolyn Hine, wife of late Hall of Fame trainer Sonny Hine, wishing for a white Thoroughbred.
Carolyn has diminished eyesight and wanted to be able to follow her horse beyond her blazing red and yellow silks. Sonny explained that white horses are extremely hard to find, but he attended a sale for 2-year-olds at Calder Race Course in Miami to see whether he might find a modestly priced gray horse that could run a bit.
The 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships marks the 43rd year the best Thoroughbreds in North America meet up to compete in races that usually determine divisional championships at the Eclipse Awards.
Ever since the very first Breeders’ Cup Distaff won by Princess Rooney 42 years ago at Hollywood Park, the prestigious race for fillies and mares has continued to produce high-quality winners. Racing’s Hall of Fame has opened its doors to a dozen winners of the race, several of whom found the winner’s circle more than once at the World Championships.
