The Breeders’ Cup returns to Santa Anita Park on November 4 and 5, 2016. The prestigious event in the racing calendar has a new logo for this year, having teamed with luxury marketing company Epiphany Inc. The oval logo featuring the single star of California, a single palm tree and golden light beams is said to represent the shape of the track, as well as the Californian location and the bright lights of Hollywood. But what can you expect from this year’s race?
As usual, horses have to meet strict entry criteria to be invited to participate in the two-day event. No horse can be entered in more than two races and relevant entry fees must be paid before the horse is permitted to race.
Impressive prospective field for the big event
When looking at the horses that are probable contenders for upcoming Breeders Cup event, you’re bound to be left feeling impressed. They include Belmont Stakes winner Creator as well as second place finisher Destin. Kentucky Derby Winner Nyquist, who did not race at Elmont, is also likely to be present, as is Preakness Stakes victor Exaggerator. It will be interesting to see which horses fare better on the track at this Connecticut off track betting event in November. There is a whole host of potential runners set to impress over the two days, including Frosted, Mohaymen, Dortmund and Firing Line.
The races – what is on offer?
The Breeders’ Cup is the lucrative culmination to the racing season and the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic is the richest, and most prestigious, race run over the two days. Run over a distance of 1.25 miles it’s a Grade 1 race that has a maximum of fourteen runners in the field. Seven of those runners will have gained automatic entry to the race through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. Although this is certainly the main event when it comes to racing at the Breeders’ Cup there are several other top class races to draw the interest of race goers. These races include:
- The Turf Sprint – run over 1.5 furlongs with a $1,000,000 purse.
- The Juvenile Turf – run over 1 mile with a $1,000,000 purse.
- The Longines Turf – run over 1.5 miles with a $4,000,000 purse.
- The TwinSpires Sprint run over 6 furlongs with a £1,500,000 purse.
- The Las Vegas Dirt Mile run over 1 mile with a $1,000,000 purse.
Wide range of race going options
For anyone who wants to experience the excitement of attending the Breeders’ Cup in person there are plenty of different ticketing options. The Silks Lawn Chalet is new for 2016 and is an excellent choice if you want the best views of Championship finishes. A two day package costs $800. In the Chandelier Room you will be treated to a five-star gourmet experience for $650 on the Friday. $750 on the Saturday or $1,400 for a two-day package.
At the other end of the scale there are plenty of more affordable options. Entry to the first floor of the grandstand grounds is available for $15 on the Friday and $40 on the Saturday with a two-day package available for $55. These are gate prices and you can purchase advance tickets online at a reduced cost.
Whatever price you pay, the 2016 Breeders’ Cup seems set to be an exciting event to attend and it’s not to be missed by horse racing fans.