The stage is set for a return engagement of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar.

It will be the first time that the seaside oval will host the event in consecutive years. Other editions were previously held there in 2017 and 2021.

Fourteen Grade 1 races worth a total of more than $34 million will be contested, drawing top-level horses and their owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys who have hopes of clinching year-end division titles. They will be held Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, part of opening weekend of Del Mar’s fall meet.

“Anticipation is high as we return to stunning Del Mar for the 42nd running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” Breeders’ Cup Limited President and Chief Executive Officer Drew Fleming said in a news release. “Building on the electrifying energy of last year’s record-breaking event, we’re crafting an extraordinary experience for our guests and an unmatched atmosphere as the world’s finest take center stage.”

The celebration will commence Oct. 27 with the week-long Breeders’ Cup Festival, composed of festivities at the track and around town. Among the planned activities:

• Daybreak at Del Mar – From 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 27 through 30, visitors can observe Breeders’ Cup contenders on the track while enjoying breakfast and complimentary coffee in the Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant.

• Rood & Riddle Breeders’ Cup Post Position Draw – The public can view this event for free from the outside of the Del Mar racetrack paddock; cash bars and concessions will be available. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and the draw is scheduled from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

•Racetrack Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) Night of Faith, Hope & Love – Members of the horse racing industry and community leaders will gather for dinner, inspiration and worship from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Trackside Chalet. Tickets are $75; go to www.rtcanational.org.

Opening Day for Del Mar’s autumn meet is set for Oct. 30 and will be the lead-in to the championships. Diamond Club members will receive free general admission; the featured race will be the traditional kickoff, the $100,000 Let It Ride Stakes for 3-year-old horses on the turf. In addition, there will be a Horse Racing Women’s Summit, which will start at 10:30 a.m. in the 5th-floor Celebrity Suites. Participants can listen to a panel of guest speakers, test their handicapping skills, and compete for prizes. Ticket prices – which range from $110 to $125 – include admission, valet parking, food and beverages. Go to www.womeninracingsummit.com.

The excitement will reach its peak on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 with the Breeders’ Cup races. The headliner is the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, which is expected to draw this year’s Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty; Preakness Stakes hero Journalism; and the top three finishers from the 2024 Classic: Sierra Leone, Fierceness and Forever Young.

As of press time, limited tickets were still available for the Breeders’ Cup. Admission and parking must be purchased in advanced, and attendance will be capped at 37,500; go to breederscup.com.

Alternatives to parking passes include rideshare options such as taxi, Uber and Lyft. Also, those who travel to the event by train can take a free shuttle between the Solana Beach station and the track.

Racing fans unable to make it to Del Mar can catch the action on NBC, Peacock, USA Network and FanDuel TV.

Meanwhile, high rollers can participate in the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge from anywhere – at the track or online at TVG.com, Xpressbet.com, Twinspires.com or NYRABets.com. Thoroughbred racing’s biggest live-money handicapping tournament has a $10,000 buy-in, with $7,500 going toward the live bank roll and $2,500 designated for the prize pool. The total cash prize pool is expected to be $1.25 million, based upon a minimum of 500 players registered. For contest questions, contact Tim Schram at tim@breederscup.com or (859) 967-7784.

Revelers can cap off their days at evening events around the area. Among the choices:

• Bash at the Breeders’ Cup – On Oct. 31, there will be a fundraiser supporting the Thoroughbred Charities of America at the Hilton Del Mar, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be Halloween party favors, live auction items, food, an open bar and music by Haute Chile. Tickets can be purchased for $250 before the event, and a limited number will be sold for $300 at the door. Go to www.tca.org/bash-at-the-breeders-cup.

• The Mane Event – A speakeasy-themed wrap party will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe. The cost is $325, which includes a welcome cocktail, buffet, cash bar and dancing. Go to ranchovalencia.com/san-diego-events/the-mane-event/.

Coming after the ‘Cup’

Racing at Del Mar continues Fridays through Sundays after the Breeders’ Cup, through the end of November, with daily activities on the calendar to supplement it.

“There are all sorts of fun promotions throughout the fall meet,” said Chris Bahr, Del Mar’s director of events and promotions, including a couple of new ones on the agenda.

BBQ, Bourbon & Beer is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 at the west end of the grandstand, and it’s open to everyone in attendance. Those who are 21 and older can buy five-drink “tasting wristbands” for $15; food is sold separately.

The other is Paddock Pours, which will be held Saturdays starting Nov. 8 in 17 Hands and the ULTRA Paddock Club. Bahr said there will be different discounted drink specials each week.

Many of the fall meet favorites will return, including College Day (Nov. 8), Uncorked Wine Festival (Nov. 15), Toys for Tots (Nov. 23), Family Fun Day (Nov. 28), the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival (Nov. 28-30) and the Handicapping Challenge (Nov. 29).

Every week, there are Sunday brunches as part of Taste of the Turf Club; Free & Fun Sundays for Diamond Club members; Wine Down specials and Seniors’ Day on Fridays, beginning Nov. 7; and daily opportunities to meet race caller Larry Collumus as part of a fundraiser for the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA).

Closing Day will be Nov. 30, and there will be mandatory payouts for all wagers. Bettors can also sign up to receive free handicapping information for the day’s racing card as part of the track’s “Data On Us” promotion.

Go to dmtc.com for more information about these upcoming events.

“The fall meet goes very fast – catch the wave of winners,” Bahr said.Del Mar racetrack 2025 fall season

Dates: Oct. 30-Nov. 30

Location: Via de la Valle and Jimmy Durante Boulevard

Post time: 12:30 p.m.; special post times-11:35 a.m. Breeders’ Cup Friday (Oct. 31), 10:05 a.m. Breeders’ Cup Saturday (Nov. 1)

General Admission: Daily-$8, Diamond Club-$4; free for 17 and younger and active duty/retired military personnel; Breeders’ Cup (Oct. 31-Nov. 1): Pre-purchased tickets only, breederscup.com

Parking: General-$10, Valet-$25; Breeders’ Cup (Oct. 31-Nov. 1): Pre-purchased passes only

Information: (858) 755-1141, dmtc.com

Originally Published: October 17, 2025 at 4:18 AM PDT