The Breeders’ Cup announced Thursday the 2024 championships will take place at Del Mar on Nov. 1 and 2.
“We are delighted to announce that the world championships will be returning to Del Mar next year for what is sure to be an unforgettable, two-year-run on the West Coast,” Drew Fleming, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO Drew Fleming said. “Breeders’ Cup has always been a strong supporter of California racing, and we look forward to showcasing this wonderful venue once again to our horsemen and fans from around the world.
Del Mar will serve as the Breeders’ Cup host site for a third time.
“We’re excited for the return of Breeders’ Cup to Del Mar in 2024,” said Josh Rubinstein, president of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “The prestige of the event combined with our venue’s iconic, seaside setting makes for an extraordinary weekend. Additionally, we are grateful for the economic support the championship races bring to our community. This is a milestone event for San Diego, and we look forward to building upon the record-breaking success in 2017 and 2021.”
Planning with Del Mar management and staff already is under way to bring the best of racing and hospitality to visiting fans, horsemen and San Diego-Del Mar area locals alike.
“We’re thrilled San Diego has been selected to host the Breeders’ Cup again in 2024,” San Diego mayor Todd Gloria said. “Hosting prestigious international events like this one gives us the opportunity to showcase our beautiful region to fans and industry leaders from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the best in horse racing talent back to Del Mar for an exciting event.”
As a host site in 2017 and 2021, Del Mar drew fans from around the world to its iconic grounds to celebrate one of international racing’s biggest weekends and set wagering records on both occasions. In 2017 the two-day, on-track, wagering handle established a Breeders’ Cup record of $25,181,317. The championships were highlighted by Gun Runner’s front-running victory in the $6 million Classic. Moreover, the 2017 Breeders’ Cup generated about $96 million in economic impact, including $3.6 million in hotel-room revenue, according to the Tourism Marketing District.
In 2021 the Breeders’ Cup operated at 50 percent capacity because of pandemic reopening protocols. Still, Del Mar propelled a then-record, all-sources handle for the championships of $183,260,127, highlighted by Knicks Go’s winning the Classic going wire to wire. There also were the first-ever victories by horses based in Japan as Loves Only You won the Filly & Mare Turf, and Marche Lorraine captured the Distaff.
This year’s 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup will be held at Santa Anita on Nov. 3 and 4. The championships consist of 14 Grade 1 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million.
