The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the signature race of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, a two-day, 14-race event that is one of the biggest highlights of the annual horse racing calendar. The Classic pits the top horses from around the world against each other in the ultimate showdown to finish out the year in horse racing. Here’s everything you need to know about racing’s grand finale at Keeneland Race Course:
What is the Breeders’ Cup Classic?
The $6 million Classic is a 1 1/4-mile race on the dirt with 14 spots open to both male and female horses aged three years and up. The Classic is considered the grand finale of the horse racing season, with some of the richest horses, trainers and jockeys going head-to-head.
Who is running in the race?
The expected field for the Breeders’ Cup Classic includes John Sadler’s undefeated Flightline. Bob Baffert may have one entry in Taiba. Todd Pletcher may have a trio of horses in the race: Life Is Good, Americanrevolution and Happy Saver. Kentucky Derby longshot winner Rich Strike is also expected to be in the field.
Related: What to know about the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships
Who won the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic?
In the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic, at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California, Knicks Go bested a strong field that included Medina Spirit, Essential Quality and Hot Rod Charlie. Knicks Go, trained by Brad Cox and also a winner at the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes and the Whitney Stakes, would go on to win 2021 Horse of the Year.
Where is the Classic?
The Breeders’ Cup changes tracks every year, with Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky hosting for the third time in 2022. Keeneland most recently hosted in 2020, with limited attendance amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
When is the Breeders’ Cup Classic?
The Breeders’ Cup runs from November 4-5. Friday’s coverage goes from 2 to 6 p.m. ET, and Saturday’s coverage runs from 1 to 6 p.m. ET. Post time for the Breeders’ Cup Classic is tentatively set for Saturday, November 5th at 5:40 p.m ET.
Related: From experiment to history: The history of the Breeders’ Cup
How to watch Breeders’ Cup Classic:
Coverage of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will air across NBC and USA, as well as on NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and Peacock. The Breeders’ Cup Classic will air on Saturday, November 5th.
Friday, November 4th (Future Stars Friday): Coverage airs on USA Network from 2:00 p.m. ET – 6:00 p.m. ET, with additional coverage on NBC Sports.com and the NBC Sports app.
- Races include the Juvenile Turf Sprint, the Juvenile Fillies, the Juvenile Fillies Turf, the Juvenile and the Juvenile Turf
Saturday, November 5th: Coverage airs from 1 p.m. ET – 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. Then, at 3:30 p.m. ET, coverage moves to NBC and Peacock, including the broadcast of the Breeders’ Cup Classic with a post time of approximately 5:40 p.m ET. Additional coverage airs on NBC Sports.com and the NBC Sports app.
- Races include the Sprint, the Filly and Mare Turf, the Dirt Mile, the Mile, the Distaff, the Turf, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic
