The Breeders' Cup, one of Thoroughbred horse racing's most prestigious international events, announced Nov. 8 that Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will host back-to-back Breeders' Cup World Championships in 2024-25.
Located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego County, Del Mar—"Where the turf meets the surf"—is set to serve as a Breeders' Cup host site for a fourth time after also hosting in 2017, 2021, and having been announced previously as the host in 2024. Consisting of 14 grade 1 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million, the 42nd World Championships are scheduled to be held on Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025.
"Our return to Del Mar in back-to-back years marks the continuation of a wonderful collaboration and successful partnership, both with our friends at the track and with the greater San Diego area, demonstrating our continued commitment to California horse racing," said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. "We look forward to once again gathering where the turf meets the surf as the world's best Thoroughbreds put on an incredible show."
Known for its scenic location and prestigious race meetings, Del Mar undertook an extensive expansion of its luxury seating options for its first Breeders' Cup in 2017. The Breeders' Cup's debut at Del Mar resulted in a record-breaking, two-day on-track wagering mark, while also generating an estimated $96.8 million in economic benefits for San Diego County.
The 2021 edition, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, set a wagering record for the World Championships while permitting fans to return in limited numbers with appropriate health measures in place. The 2024 running is scheduled to take place at the seaside oval Nov. 1-2.
"We couldn't be more excited about hosting back-to-back Breeders' Cup World Championships and welcoming the very best in international racing back to the town of Del Mar and the greater San Diego area," said Joe Harper, CEO of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. "The Breeders' Cup represents the pinnacle in world-class racing and the organization's willingness to return here again is a testament to the quality of our racing facilities, our idyllic weather, and the warm hospitality shown to our visitors by the local community."
