The Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar Is Basically the Kentucky Derby… In California

Couldn’t make it to the Kentucky Derby in May? This fall, you can have another chance to experience a similar (but perhaps even better, depending on your personal preference) event. It's called The Breeders' Cup, and it takes place in San Diego County on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2025.

The Breeders' Cup, dubbed the “Kentucky Derby of California," is known as “the biggest event in global horse racing” and is taking over the Del Mar Racetrack for a show of sport, style, and potential make-or-break fortune. I attended the Breeders’ Cup at the Del Mar Racetrack in 2024, complete with a lovely dress and a fascinator hat to match. It was an engaging experience, and I gained a deeper understanding of the world of this longstanding sport. This is what you should know about the Breeders’ Cup before you go. 

The experience was out of this world

I’ve been told, “If the Triple Crown is the equine equivalent of the College Football Playoff National Championship, then the Breeders’ Cup is the Super Bowl.” This year-end international championship for horse racing dates back more than 40 years, to when the first Breeders' Cup World Championships took place at Hollywood Park, in Inglewood, California, on November 10, 1984, in front of a crowd of 64,254 people (including many celebrities). 

In other words, it’s not just any horses that compete in this race. It’s the best thoroughbred racehorses on planet Earth. It was interesting to read the program and see the list of countries represented at the event, ranging across multiple continents, including North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe. The races take place over two days, with 14 races in total, and millions of dollars at stake in betting and bragging rights. 

Over the years, the event has been hosted in various venues across the U.S., from its debut at Hollywood Park in Inglewood to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky and this upcoming year in Del Mar, California, just outside of downtown San Diego. The Del Mar Racetrack is a gorgeous venue on the water (meaning stunning ocean views!). Plus, since it's Southern California. The event is still known to feature several Los Angeles celebs in attendance, which is fun for sightseeing. 

Watching the horse races felt almost like an out-of-body experience. These animals are swift, athletic, and impressively connected to their jockey. It’s almost as if you can sense the jockey's spiritual connection with his horse. 

But you don’t have to be a sports fan or know anything about horse racing to enjoy the Breeders’ Cup. Being here is as much of a social gathering as a sporting event. People were there to “see and be seen.” The dresses and hats on Saturday’s race day were just as showy (if not more showy!) as the race horses. 

These pro-athlete horses are giving everyone a run for their money (pun intended!). They’re flown in on airplanes dubbed "Air HORSE One” (like Air Force One) and treated as royalty. We toured their barn before the races and weren’t allowed to go very close to the animals themselves to protect them from any germs we might have, and to keep their heads clear from distraction. 

The first day of the event is dubbed “Future Stars Friday.” This is when the top competing horse athletes of “tomorrow” compete in five Juvenile (two-year-old) races. Friday felt more casual, with folks dressed in regular clothes amongst an atmosphere of laid-back entertainment. 

On Saturday, the superstars took to the track. This is when the Breeders’ Cup crowns nine World Champions across different surfaces (grass versus dirt) and divisions. It’s also when people break out their best and brightest fashion statements, fascinators included. 

I appreciated how you could make attending the Breeders’ Cup as upscale or as laid back as you desired. There are ample options for those who seek a “VIP” experience, complete with table service, high-brow spirits from an open bar, and an abundance of bubbly. Lower-tier ticket options allow folks to simply “go with the flow” and enjoy the show in the bleachers or on the grass under the California sunshine. 

Exploring Beyond the Racetrack 

The Breeders' Cup experience extends beyond the race track. Several fun events are sprinkled around Del Mar during the Breeders' Cup outside official racing times. Exploring Del Mar Village feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This charming, quaint seaside village in North County San Diego hosts some engaging events and activations during race week, keeping the fun going even after the final starting pistol fires. 

Walking through the village's streets feels almost like taking a European stroll. There are dozens of local restaurants (many boast impressive ocean views), boutique shops, and hotspots to step into. Visit Monarch for the epitome of beach vibes featuring a “Coastal California” menu paired with seaside sights and craft cocktails. Don’t miss stepping into Stratford Square at the corner of 15th Street & Camino Del Mar on old highway 101, which is home to a number of local businesses, including a historical gallery and restaurants with open-air, al fresco restaurant options for a classically California dining experience.