Breeders' Cup handle hits record $189 million
Total all-sources, global common-pool handle for the two-day Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland was $189,060,373, a record for the two-day event.
The total represents a 3.4 percent increase from the prior record of $182,908,409 set when the event was held at Del Mar in 2021 and an 18 percent increase from the total handle of $160,472,893 at the 2020 event held at Keeneland.
Total common-pool handle on Saturday's 12-race Breeders' Cup card was a record $122,918,607. All-sources common-pool handle on Breeders’ Cup’s 10-race Future Stars Friday card was $66,141,766, also a record for a Breeders’ Cup Friday. This is the fifth consecutive year that Breeders’ Cup grouped all its juvenile races together on Friday.
“We witnessed a spectacular two days of racing capped by Flightline’s absolute brilliance in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, once again showcasing the best Thoroughbreds from around the world and we want to thank our partners here at Keeneland, who did a phenomenal job, and the greater Lexington community,” said Breeders’ Cup president and CEO Drew Fleming. “The Breeders’ Cup is truly an international championship event and the very best our sport has to offer.”
On-track handle for the two days was $20,822,213. Saturday’s attendance was 45,973 and the two-day on-track attendance was 85,824.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships will return to Santa Anita Park in 2023 for its 40th running.
Breeders' Cup two-day attendance
and handle (common-pool) history
| Year | Location | Attendance | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Keeneland | 85,824 | $189,060,373 |
| 2021 | Del Mar | 47,089 | $182,908,409 |
| 2020 | Keeneland | No Attendance Reported | $160,472,893 |
| 2019 | Santa Anita | 109,054 | $174,628,986 |
| 2018 | Churchill Downs | 112,672 | $157,445,841 |
| 2017 | Del Mar | 70,420 | $166,077,486 |
| 2016 | Santa Anita | 118,484 | $156,861,811 |
| 2015 | Keeneland | 94,652 | $149,869,035 |
| 2014 | Santa Anita | 98,319 | $151,158,813 |
| 2013 | Santa Anita | 94,628 | $160,704,877 |
| 2012 | Santa Anita | 89,742 | $144,272,332 |
| 2011 | Churchill Downs | 105,820 | $161,512,867 |
| 2010 | Churchill Downs | 114,353 | $173,857,697 |
| 2009 | Santa Anita | 96,496 | $153,271,176 |
| 2008 | Santa Anita | 86,588 | $155,740,328 |
| 2007 | Monmouth Park | 69,584 | $129,197,262 |