The 14 World Championships races
| Race | Surface | Distance | Division | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Dirt | 1 1/4 miles | 3 and older | $7,000,000 |
| Turf | Turf | 1 1/2 miles | 3 and older | $5,000,000 |
| Distaff | Dirt | 1 1/8 miles | Fillies and mares, 3+ | $2,000,000 |
| Mile | Turf | 1 mile | 3 and older | $2,000,000 |
| Sprint | Dirt | 6 furlongs | 3 and older | $2,000,000 |
| Filly & Mare Turf | Turf | 1 3/16 miles | Fillies and mares, 3+ | $2,000,000 |
| Juvenile | Dirt | 1 1/16 miles | 2-year-olds | $2,000,000 |
| Juvenile Fillies | Dirt | 1 1/16 miles | 2-year-old fillies | $2,000,000 |
| Filly & Mare Sprint | Dirt | 7 furlongs | Fillies and mares, 3+ | $1,000,000 |
| Dirt Mile | Dirt | 1 mile | 3 and older | $1,000,000 |
| Turf Sprint | Turf | 5 1/2 furlongs | 3 and older | $1,000,000 |
| Juvenile Turf | Turf | 1 mile | 2-year-olds | $1,000,000 |
| Juvenile Fillies Turf | Turf | 1 mile | 2-year-old fillies | $1,000,000 |
| Juvenile Turf Sprint | Turf | 5 1/2 furlongs | 2-year-olds | $1,000,000 |
The structure covers the sport's main divisions: dirt and turf, sprinters and routers, juveniles and older horses, open company and races restricted to fillies and mares. Distances and purses above reflect the officially published 2026 championship conditions; individual editions can adjust with the host track's layout.
How the host rotation works
Unlike the Triple Crown races, the Breeders' Cup moves. Keeneland hosts in 2026 for the fourth time, and Belmont Park is announced for 2027 following its reconstruction. The rotation changes real handicapping variables: track circumference, stretch length, turf course condition, and local weather all shift from one edition to the next.
Our Breeders' Cup Classic guide covers the meeting's headline race in detail, including why the host track matters when comparing seasons.
Common questions
How many races are in the Breeders' Cup?
Fourteen World Championships races run over two days, spanning dirt and turf, sprints and routes, and divisions for two-year-olds, older horses, and fillies and mares.
Where is the 2026 Breeders' Cup?
Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 30 and 31, 2026 (dates announced pending regulatory approval). Belmont Park is announced as the 2027 host.
Which Breeders' Cup race is the biggest?
The $7 million Classic, at 1 1/4 miles on dirt for horses three and older, carries the largest purse on the 2026 championship schedule.
Primary sources
Verify the current edition
Race conditions, purses, and host arrangements are confirmed each year by the organizers.