OBS graduates are on stage at this year's Breeders' Cup in California

OBS graduates are on stage at this year’s Breeders’ Cup in California

Posted by author October 31, 2024 Horse Racing

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The two-day marquee event for horse racing, the Breeders’ Cup, comes to Del Mar racetrack in California Nov. 1 and 2. Horses, jockeys, owners and trainers are expected to compete for millions of dollars in purse money.

The event debuted in 1984. The 14 races over the two days are projected to generate much excitement for horse racing fans and casual bettors making wagers on their favorite races or horses.

Here’s what we know about the event:

What’s the Breeders’ Cup? Each year, the best horses come together at one race meet to crown a champion in each division. The event is held at the end of October or in early November.

How many races are contested over the two days? There will be five championship races on Friday and nine on Saturday. The races on the first day, dubbed Future Stars Friday, are for 2-year-olds. The first race is scheduled at 5:45 p.m. On Saturday, the first race kicks off at 3:41 p.m.

Purse money: The purse for each race ranges from $1 million to $7 million. The $7 million race is the feature race, the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The first day offers $7 million in prize money, while on the second day, it’s $21 million.

All of the Breeders’ Cup races are Grade 1s, which is the highest quality.

How many horses are entered for the two-day event? 179.

Do any of the horses have Ocala Breeders’ Sales connections? Yes. Of the 179, 32 are OBS graduates, according to an OBS press release. In fact, the release notes five of the 10 entered horses for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile went through the OBS sales ring. Post time for that race is 7:45 p.m. Friday. The purse is $2 million. OBS officials said 16 of its graduates are running on the first day.

Have any OBS graduates won any of the races? Yes, 31. Last year, White Abarrio was the winner of the Classic. Other winners include Stormy Liberal, a winner in 2017 and 2018 in the Turf Sprint; Goldencents, Dirt Mile winner in 2013 and 2014; Stephanie’s Kitten, which won the Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2011 and the Filly and Mare Turf in 2015; and Midnight Lute, 2007 and 2008 Sprint winner.

How can I bet on the Breeders’ Cup? At OBS, located at 1781 SW 60th Ave., or at ocalabets.com

Do I have to pay to enter? No. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and bets are available at 11 a.m., with advance wagering on the Breeders’ Cup races on Friday, OBS officials said. They also said betters can place bets on other races that can be viewed on more than 100 TV screens throughout the building.

If horse racing is not for you, then you can always visit the poker and Vegas-style card games from 10 a.m. 4 a.m. There’s food and drinks available for customers.

If I can’t make it to OBS, will the races be shown on TV? Yes, on NBC, USA Network, FANDUEL TV and Peacock.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com