Sierra Leone will compete for a repeat in the BC Classic in Del Mar next Saturday. (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
By Nick Costa
A stage like no other
I’ve been around horse racing long enough to witness countless moments of speed, strategy and pure heart. But there is something about the Breeders’ Cup that always stands out: a convergence of talent, commitment and anticipation unlike any other day on the calendar.
Looking at history: engaging with Churchill
I will never forget attending the 2018 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs. My mind was divided between the usual gambler’s hope for a payout and a single goal: to watch Enablethe phenomenal mare from across the Atlantic, becomes the first Arc winner to claim the Breeders’ Cup Turf. The air was electric, the crowd buzzing with the excitement that only a race of this magnitude can generate. And enable it? She did not disappoint. When I saw her jump over the wire with strength and calmness, it was more than a victory: it was a historic statement.
Global talent, global stories
The Breeders’ Cup is important because it encompasses everything that makes horse racing attractive. It’s not just a series of races; it is a gathering of the best horses, trainers and jockeys from around the world, each bringing their story, their preparation and their hopes to a unique stage. The stakes are higher, the margins thinner and the emotion more tangible.
From jockeys in the saddle to owners walking through the paddock to fans in the stands, there is a shared sense of anticipation that few sporting events can match. Champions from Europe, North America and beyond come together carrying not only anticipation, but also the hope of making history. The event puts the spotlight on the extraordinary preparation: months, sometimes years of conditioning and strategy, culminating in moments that last only a few seconds.
Irish-bred Rebel’s Romance steps up to defend his BC Turf title.
The thrill of the unexpected: Arcangues 1993
The Breeders’ Cup also reminds us of rivalry, resilience and the thrill of the unexpected. It is where a horse with great odds can seize victory. Where an underdog defies expectations. Where champions cement their legacies. Take the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic: Arcangues started with astronomical expectations, shocked the world and proved that anything can happen on this stage. Moments like this – pure amazement, excitement and disbelief – make the Breeders’ Cup unforgettable.
Why the Breeders’ Cup continues to exist
Watching the tension of the final furlongs, feeling the strength and determination of the horses, or seeing a horse like Enable claim victory in impressive fashion: it all becomes more than a race. It becomes a story that you are part of. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the drama, the stakes and the history that unfolds before your eyes. Every horse carries a story, and sometimes those stories are intertwined in ways that leave a lasting impression.
Zenyatta, IIn an attempt to repeat her 2009 victory, just came up short Debt in the Breeders‘ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on November 6, 2010.
At its core, the Breeders’ Cup is important because it is more than a racing event: it is a celebration of excellence, determination and the unpredictable beauty of the sport. Each year brings a mix of history, drama and personal experiences that reminds me why I fell in love with racing in the first place.
Feeling the tension as the horses thunder through the final furlongs, witnessing their power and precision, and witnessing moments like Enable’s triumph: these are the experiences that will linger. They prove that horse racing is not just a sport, but a story – a story that continues to unfold with each Breeders’ Cup, and one that I will continue to return to year after year for the excitement, passion and connection it inspires.
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