Every year, avid horse racing fans look forward to the Fourth Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing in North America, the Breeders’ Cup. It follows the iconic Triple Crown Series comprising Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness Stakes. The Breeders’ Cup will be hosted in Santa Anita Park November 3-4, 2023.
From regular to prominent horseracing spectators, the event is expected to be a smash hit among racing enthusiasts and bettors. For first-time attendees of the Breeders’ Cup, you won’t have to worry since we have prepared a beginner’s guide for you. This fan guide will come in handy in your first Breeders’ Cup experience next month!
Ticket Packages
Like any other major horse racing spectacle, the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup offers attendees a wide range of ticket packages where they can witness the Classic, Juvenile, Juvenile Fillies, Sprint, Mile, Distaff, Turf, Breeders Cup 2023 Mile Contenders. Here are the packages you can choose from:
● Trackside Dining
The trackside dining is located between the starting gate and the finish line. In this package, you may enjoy a gourmet luncheon as you comfortably witness the actions on the track. Michelin-starred chef Curtis Stone will be preparing curated dishes for the guests. Pricing for this package starts at $1,650 per seat.
● Silks Dining
Starting at $950, the Sils Dining features an open-air trackside dining experience for guests. It is located at the third, fourth, and fifth levels of the PNC Bank Clubhouse. For this seating option, Michelin-starred chef Curtis Stone will also be at the serving luncheon.
● Grandstand
There are four options for the Grandstand seating: Day Chaser View, Reserved Seating Sections J-N, Reserved Seating Sections O-R, and Reserved Seating Sections O-V. Pricing starts at $60 to $250.
● General Admission
For General Admission, you have four options: Day Chaser View, Clubhouse General Admission, Trackside General Admission, and Stretch Run Box Package. Seating pricing starts at $50-$675.
The Venue
The 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup will be held at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California. In the past, the Breeders’ Cup was held in the same venue ten times already, with 2019 being the latest. Santa Anita Park is also popular for hosting major races like Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita Handicap, and Sunshine Millions Day.
Besides the Breeders’ Cup and other major stakes in North America, Santa Anita Park is also known as an event venue of 626 Night Market. it‘s a food festival that draws up to 100,000 attendees. The festival happens four times a year during summer, featuring a cosplay contest, an Art Walk, musical presentations, and b-boy dance competitions. In this vibrant occasion, over 250 food, art, and merchandise vendors are present.
Dress Code
Social elites will be attending the Breeders’ Cup. So it’s important to know that you have to dress to impress during your first-ever experience of the race. For ladies, you can wear an elegant dress complemented with a flamboyant or classic ladies’ hat. We recommend you wear stylish flat footwear since you will walk a lot in the venue. To protect your eyes during the full day of the race, bring with you your sunglasses. You can also opt for a sling bag or a cross-body clutch since it will be hassle to hold your purse all day.
For gentlemen, don’t get intimated too much by those who opt for designer suits. You can wear khaki and a blazer if you prefer a simple and classic style. Just add a bowtie to sport a sophisticated look just like the rest of the crowd. Bring with you your shades for eye protection.
Breeders’ Cup Traditions
Like the races in the Triple Crown Series, the Breeders’ Cup has its own set of traditions. If you’re interested in learning about these conventions, here are the most popular Breeders’ Cup traditions you shouldn’t miss.
● Signature Cocktails
The Breeders’ Cup has the Torrie Cup and The Garland drinks. The Torrie Cup is made of 1½ parts orange juice, two parts lemonade, three-quarter parts sweet vermouth, and 1½ parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Meanwhile, the Garland is composed of half-part fresh lemon juice, one part honey-green tea, one part triple sec, and one part Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
● The Flower Blanket
Flower blankets have been a staple in many awarding ceremonies for horseracing events. In the Breeders’ Cup, the official flower garland is composed of yellow chrysanthemums outlined with purple chrysanthemums. The Breeders’ Cup logo rests in the base, and the center is covered with a bouquet of white orchids, extra chrysanthemums, and greeneries.
● Breeders’ Cup Cupcake
Every year, a competition for the best cupcakes will be held. The winner will be able to sell thousands of cupcakes at the event, where proceeds will go to Child Mending Hearts. This nonprofit organization provides global education to children in need.
Conclusion
The race weekend is approaching, and many fans look forward to attending the event onsite. There are many exciting races to follow, and besides the actions on track, spectators are also drawn to the rich traditions and fancy attendees in the Breeders’ Cup. Tickets are selling out, so secure one now to witness the Fourth Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing in North America.
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