| The Breeders' Cup Classic is the highlight of the two | | | | been in the case in the last four winners of the race, |
| day Breeders' Cup event. This Grade I stakes race is | | | | which included Curlin in 2007, Invasor in 2006, Saint |
| for Thoroughbreds three years old and older. The race | | | | Liam in 2005 and Ghostzapper in 2004. |
| is a 1 ¼ miles and is considered to be the | | | | This race is traditionally a hard race to predict. The |
| premier Thoroughbred race of the year. The purse is | | | | competition in the Breeders' Cup Classic is so fierce |
| a whopping $5 million. | | | | and of high quality that you never know which horse |
| Due to the race's large purse, it regularly attracts US | | | | will be the winner for the day. One classic underdog |
| and International competitors. Due to this, specific | | | | win was in 1993 when Arcangues took the win. This |
| weight rules and restrictions have been placed to | | | | was considered to be the biggest upset in Breeders' |
| ensure a fair field. Horses must be three years old and | | | | Cup history with a payoff of $269.20 for a $2 bet. |
| older to compete and weight rules have been placed | | | | Not only do horseracing fans see the best of the best |
| for horses based on age. Four year olds and up are | | | | in today's horses, but they also see the world's top |
| required to carry 126 pounds. Three year olds born in | | | | trainers and riders. However, due to the popularity of |
| the northern hemisphere and having an official birthday | | | | the race and the tough competition, it is not uncommon |
| of January 1st are required to carry 122 pounds. Three | | | | to see a new trainer take the win. For instance, D. |
| year olds born in the southern hemisphere and having | | | | Wayne Lukas, who has won numerous races in other |
| an official birthday of August 1st are required to carry | | | | Breeders' Cup events only has one Breeders' Cup |
| 117 pounds. Horses born in the southern hemisphere | | | | Classic under his belt with 1999's winner Cat Thief. You |
| are considered to be younger than horse's born in the | | | | also see the best of the best in jockeys in the |
| northern hemisphere due to the difference in foaling | | | | Breeders' Cup Classic with great names such as Chris |
| seasons below the equator. | | | | McCarron, Jerry Bailey, Mike E. Smith and Pat Day |
| The winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic often goes | | | | having numerous wins in this race. |
| on to win U.S. Horse of the Year Honors. This has | | | | |