Everything You Need To Know About The Breeders Cup Mile

One of the longest-running original races of the Breeders’ Cup Championship is the Breeder’s Cup Mile. it is a one-mile long Grade I grass course that is designed for thoroughbred racehorses aged three and up.

It’s a true test of a horse’s ability and class by drawing out the more stamina-oriented racehorses and emphasizing the true milers. Over the years, it has produced a winner almost as noticeable as the Classic victor.

The Mile has been part of the Breeders’ Cup World Championship since its inception in 1984 and continues to be one of the most beloved aspects of the whole championship. With plenty of well-known horses, trainers, and jockeys participating throughout its rich history — it’s no wonder why it’s so popular!

What Is The Breeders’ Cup Mile?

This is a one-mile (or 1.6 kilometers) race run on the turf that is designed for three-year-old thoroughbred horses. It first emerged in 1984 in North America. Since this time, the tradition has continued as part of the world championships. All of the events have been held in the US except during one event in 1996 which was held in Canada.

Types Of Bets To Place

If you are planning on making a wager in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, you must make sure that you fully understand all of the basics of making your bet. The first step? Familiarize yourself with the common types of betting that take place.

  • Win: this is when you are predicting that your horse will come out victorious and finish victorious (first place).

  • Place: you will be choosing a horse. If your chosen horse wins either first or second place then you will be eligible to receive your payout.

  • Show: this is much like the place but with an added third place. You will pick a horse and if they place within the first to third ranks, you will receive a payout.

As a racing novice, placing a ‘win’ bet is highly recommended. This is because of the overall nature of this bet. It’s pretty simple, really, as all you need to do is select a horse that you believe has the potential to go on and win the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Can I Bet On More Than One Race?

Absolutely! There are many different races within the championship, including the following:

  • Breeders’ Cup Turf

  • Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf

  • Breeders’ Cup Mile

  • Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Before you take the steps to place your wager, you must understand the capabilities of the contenders. After all, you don’t want to bet blindly, that’s why you should look at the top picks first.

Notable Wins In Breeders’ Cup History

If you’re considering placing a bet on this race, make sure that you are on the lookout for the jockey who won more times than any other, Freddy Head. Yet one of the more important things you must think about with the Breeders’ Cup Mile is that there is no official stakes record because the racecourses change every year.

Tourist is currently the most notable name in Mile history with a Santa Anita course record finishing time of 1:31:71 (2016). He beat the 1:31:78 record that had previously been held by Wise Dan.

Yet these aren’t the only notable wins in Breeders’ Cup History. You also need to know the following statistics:

  • Most Overall Wins: Goldikova dominated the Breeders’ Cup Mile from 2008 to 2010 and became the first-ever horse to achieve three consecutive renewals of a Breeders’ Cup race.

  • Most Wins By A Trainer: awarded to Freddy Head – three consecutive wins in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

  • Most Wins By A Jockey: awarded to Olivier Peslier – three wins in 2008, 2009, and 2010, – and John R. Velazquez (wins in 1998, 2012, and 2017).

  • Most Wins By An Owner: Niarchos family or Flaxman Holdings – six wins (in 1987, 1988, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2014) and also Wertheimer et Frère in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Where To Watch The Breeders’ Cup Mile

You can purchase tickets on the official website to watch it live in Keeneland, United States. Or you can watch it on television if that best suits your circumstances. Like many other major races, this is streamed live on television (usually on NBC) so you don’t need to leave your own four walls to watch the horses that you love so much.

Purse

The purse was increased from $1.5 million to over $2 million in 2007. This meant that all of the hardworking people who are behind directly training the racers and the horses received a hefty compensation for their efforts. Fortunately, this increased prize fund is something that has remained ever since.

Summary

After reading this article, you’ll hopefully have more of an understanding of what the Breeders’ Cup Mile is and how it works. We understand there is a lot to learn but you don’t need to stress yourself out with all of the small details.

If you’re feeling a little daring, why not take a look at the odds and maybe even stake your own wagers? Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you gamble responsibly and don’t bet away large amounts of money for the sake of it.