Breeders Cup Challenge Series Features Record Races Awards

Breeders’ Cup has announced its most expansive Challenge Series to date, with the 2025 “Win and You’re In” program featuring 93 races across 15 countries — the highest number in event history. Winners receive automatic berths into corresponding Breeders’ Cup races with all entry fees covered.

The global series spans premier racing venues in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dubai, England, France, Ireland, Japan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay.

While a record 49 international qualifiers have already begun, the 44-race domestic schedule launches during the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga on June 6-7. The opening weekend features three automatic qualifiers: the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes (Distaff), GI Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap (Dirt Mile), and GI Jaipur Stakes (Turf Sprint).

Ten automatic berths will be awarded for the $7-million GI Breeders’ Cup Classic. Three horses have already secured Classic positions — Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) via the G1 Saudi Cup, Costa Nova (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) through the G1 February Stakes, and Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) by winning the G1 Dubai World Cup.

The remaining Classic qualifiers, all Grade I/Group 1 events, include the Stephen Foster Stakes, Haskell Stakes, Whitney Stakes, Juddmonte International Stakes, Pacific Classic Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Goodwood Stakes.

Breeders’ Cup has allocated a record $6.51 million in free entry fees and $480,000 in domestic foal nominator awards for this year’s Challenge Series. The organization will pay entry fees and guarantee starting positions for all Challenge winners. Non-nominated winners must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 20 to receive benefits.

Additionally, a $10,000 travel allowance will be provided for all North American starters stabled outside California, with a $40,000 travel allowance for connections of all Championship starters based outside North America.

“It is immensely gratifying to see trainers and owners leverage the many opportunities offered by the Challenge Series, the leading pathway to a coveted spot in the World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Chief Racing Officer at Breeders’ Cup Limited. “We thank the racing authorities close to home and abroad for their crucial partnerships, and look forward to watching the world’s best competitors prioritize the Challenge Series as their path to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar.”

The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will take place Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1 at Del Mar. The complete Breeders’ Cup Challenge schedule is available on the official website.