2019 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships

Nov 11, 2019

By Ruben Davies

There’s no better way to revisit the 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships than through the voice of one of our all-time favorites, Carson Kressly, who we featured in an interview here last year.

“Hi! I’m television star Carson Kressley and I’m here to tell you that the Breeders’ Cup is THE. BEST. PARTY OF THE YEAR!

….I’ve been going to Breeders’ Cup for years. Everyone is dressed to the nines, bourbon is readily available and betting is encouraged! It’s the Olympics of horseracing!

14 world championship races. 30 million dollars in purses and prizes (that’s a lot of purses!). So, whether you’re into the pageantry, the payday or the party, you’re gonna love the Breeders’ Cup. If you don’t, that’s fine too… it just means you don’t have great taste and we probably won’t be friends...”

Whether the Breeders’ Cup takes place in the heart of horse country (Lexington or Louisville), or in the warmth of Southern California.

This year, historic Santa Anita racetrack hosted for the 10th time, the 36th running of the championships, and unlike some years past, the weather was not going to be an issue. Pasadena, Arcadia and Los Angeles warmed the 100,000+ attendees with early fall temperatures that were absolutely delightful.

Always the star-studded event, the Breeders’ Cup is anchored by the passionate, fashion-first crowds that like to see and be seen - at the bars, the rail, and the betting windows! This year, the races featured Celebrity Ambassadors like, Kate Upton, Bobby Flay, Elizabeth Banks, Rashard Lewis, Joe Torre, Chris Harrison, Michael Owen, Bo Derek and more.

Over $179,000,000 dollars was wagered over the course of the 14 races held on the first Friday and Saturday of November. Some races produced longshots and big winners, while others wound up with favorites crossing the finish line first. Either way, the betting action was fierce throughout the weekend, and many went home with full, even over-stuffed wallets. Here are the 14 horses who finished first in the weekend's races:

Vino Rosso
Bricks and Mortar
Blue Prize
Uni
Mitole
Iridessa
Spun to Run
Belvoir Bay
Covfefe
Storm the Court
Four Wheel Drive
Sharing
British Idiom
Structor

It is amazing how much the Breeders’ Cup has grown and become a major event on the international festival circuit. Whether it’s held on the East Coast, in Kentucky, or in the heart of Southern California, fans and partiers from around the world make the trek each year to spend a few days enjoying all the thrills and excitement these world championships have to offer. With 2020’s event slated for Lexington Kentucky’s historic Keeneland Racetrack and 2021’s event to be held at legendary, picturesque Del Mar, fans can once again look forward to one of the best events and parties in the world - The Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.