The Breeders’ Cup Classic
on Nov.02, 2008, under Casino
The culmination and peak of excitement in the Breeder’s Cup event, the Breeder’s Cup Classic is a Grade I stakes Thoroughbred horse race.
This is a Grade I stakes race which is open to Thoroughbreds of three years or older in age. biggest Thoroughbred race of the year, with a prize of $5 million!
Because of the large prize which can be won, competitors come from all over the U.S. and the rest of the world. Specific restrictions on weight and other factors are imposed to ensure level playing field. Horse must be at least three years in age and there are weight rules for the horses which are based on age. Horse of four years or older must be at least 126 pounds.
Horses have to be at least 126 lbs in weight if they are four years or older, three year olds must be at least 122 lbs if they were born before Jul 31 in the northern hemisphere and 117 lbs and up if born in the southern hemisphere on or after Aug 1. Why the difference? Horses born in the southern hemisphere are considered younger because of the difference in foaling seasons between the northern and southern hemisphere.
The horse which wins the Breeder’s Cup Classic very often will go on to also win the U.S. Horse of the Year. The last four winners of the Breeder’s Cup Classic have all done this – Curlin, Invasor, Saint Laim and Ghostzapper, respectively.
The race is traditionally a hard one to predict the outcome of. The competition is very intense and it can be difficult to make an accurate prediction. One notable upset occurred in 1993 when the underdog Arcangues took the purse. The largest upset in the history of the race, this had a payoff of $269.20 for a $2 bet.
Horse racing enthusiasts can watch the very best horses in racing and also have an opportunity to watch the world’s best trainers and jockeys at work in this race. It is not uncommon to see new trainer’s take the title in this race, adding to the excitement.
D. Wayne Lukas, a winner of many other races has only won the Breeder’s Cup Classic once in 1999 with Cat Thief. The best jockeys are also on display, with names like Jerry Bailey, Pat Day and others having won this race several times.