Churchill Downs will host the 2018 Breeders’ Cup
The World Championships of racing, the Breeders’ Cup, is heading back to Derby City. The big news was proudly announced this morning during a press conference at Churchill Downs. The host of the Kentucky Derby, and the track with the iconic twin spires, will welcome back the Breeders’ Cup in 2018 for the first time since 2011. Scheduled for Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3, and televised live by NBC Sports Group, the 2018 edition will be the ninth time hosting the World Championships for the Louisville oval.
Churchill Downs first hosted the event in 1988, a year that was highlighted by unforgettable victories by both Alysheba and Personal Ensign. Since then, it has hosted such memorable champions as Arazi, Awesome Again, Invasor, Goldikova and who can forget the famous battle of the sexes between Blame and Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic?
When it does host the Breeders’ Cup in 2018, Churchill Downs will move into a tie with Santa Anita Park, the 2016 host, at the top with nine apiece. Del Mar will host its first edition in 2017. As the most famous race track in the United States, or perhaps the world, Churchill Downs seems like a natural choice for the year-end championships to end up on a somewhat regular basis. The fan support in Louisville is strong.
“We are excited that the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be returning in 2018 to Churchill Downs Racetrack, the city of Louisville and Kentucky,” said Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer, Churchill Downs Incorporated. “Fan support for the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs has been spectacular in the eight previous visits and our track has been the scene of many of the most important performances in the event’s history. I’m confident the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Churchill Downs will be an unforgettable event.”
“We are thrilled to announce our return to Louisville,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO, Craig Fravel. “Churchill Downs’ ongoing, significant investment in their facility to enhance the experience for participants and fans aligns perfectly with our desire to conduct one of the best racing events in the world, and we’re looking forward to another landmark event in 2018.”
Since 2011, Churchill Downs has invested more than $67 million in the facility to further elevate the experience for all fans and participants, while also introducing new, in-demand luxury seating and entertainment options. The improvements include Clubhouse enhancements, Winner’s Circle Suites, Grandstand Terrace & Rooftop Garden, The Mansion and the installation of the world’s largest 4k Ultra High Definition Big Board.