When is the 2025 Breeders’ Cup? How to watch and the key trainers and jockeys to follow
Racing’s finest from across the globe — including major names from Britain, Ireland, France and Japan, will compete across 14 Championship races at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup, with more than $30 million (£25 million) in prize money on offer.
As another flat season draws to a close, Sports News Blitz looks at everything UK and international fans need to know about this year’s Breeders’ Cup meeting at Del Mar Racecourse, California.
When is the 2025 Breeders’ Cup?
The action begins on Friday, October 31, featuring four Championship contests, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (3:25pm local / 10:25pm GMT) and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (4:05pm local / 11:05pm GMT).
The showpiece day follows on Saturday, November 1, headlined by the Breeders’ Cup Classic — worth $7 million (£5.7 million) and scheduled for 3:25pm local time (10:25pm GMT).
The Breeders’ Cup Turf also takes place on Saturday, with a purse of $5 million (£4 million) among nine further Championship races.
Trainers to watch
The European challenge is led by Aidan O’Brien, who arrives in California chasing a record-breaking Group/Grade One tally after another stellar season for Ballydoyle and Coolmore Stud.
O’Brien is poised to be crowned British Champion Trainer for the second successive year, following major successes at Epsom, Goodwood, and beyond.
Having reached 25 top-level wins this season, he needs just four more to surpass his 2017 record.
He’ll be joined by sons Donnacha and Joseph O’Brien, ensuring a strong Irish contingent at Del Mar, while top British handlers Charlie Appleby and Andrew Balding also send runners.
International interest extends to Francis Graffard (France) and Japanese trainers Yoshito Yahagi, Daishi Ito, and Yoichi Kuroiwa.
In the US, Bob Baffert remains a central figure. The four-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner boasts the best strike rate (31%) among the top 100 American trainers this season, despite a limited number of runners.
His rivals include Brad Cox, currently leading the US earnings table with over $25 million, ahead of Steve Asmussen, Mark Casse, Chad Brown, and Todd Pletcher.
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Jockeys to watch
All eyes will be on Aidan O’Brien’s team following Ryan Moore’s continued injury absence.
Christophe Soumillon looks set to deputise, having already delivered notable wins for O’Brien at the St Leger, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting, and British Champions Day.
Other European riders heading “across the pond” include William Buick, representing Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, as well as Oisin Murphy, David Egan, PJ McDonald, Shane Foley, and Richard Kingscote.
In the United States, Irad Ortiz Jr once again leads the way. The nation’s top-earning jockey has 20 Breeders’ Cup wins since 2014 and over $32 million in seasonal earnings.
His closest rival, Flavien Prat, has enjoyed similar success, boasting a higher strike rate (23%) and two wins in the last three Breeders’ Cup Classics.
Other notable names include Jose Ortiz, Luis Saez, John Velazquez, Tyler Gaffalione, and Junior Alvarado.
Velazquez remains the meeting’s all-time leading earner with 21 Breeders’ Cup wins, while Mike Smith tops the all-time leaderboard with 27 victories.
Veteran Frankie Dettori is also set to feature, continuing his American chapter after relocating in 2023.
The popular Italian has 15 Breeders’ Cup wins to date and could be in line for key rides in Moore’s absence.
How to watch the Breeders’ Cup 2025
UK: Live coverage will be shown exclusively on Sky Sports Racing, available to all Sky Sports subscribers.
US: Fans can tune in via NBC’s Peacock streaming service and FanDuel TV, broadcasting all 14 Breeders’ Cup races across Friday and Saturday.
Closer look: Breeders’ Cup 2025
Venue: Del Mar Racecourse, California
Dates: Friday, October 31 – Saturday, November 1 2025
Races: 14 Championship contests
Prize money: Over $30 million (£25 million)
Feature race: Breeders’ Cup Classic (Saturday, 10:25pm GMT)
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