On the day that Aidan O’Brien made history with his 1-2-3 in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, four horses on the Chantilly track booked their opportunity to run in one of the flat season’s biggest races at Santa Anita Park in November. The Breeders’ Cup races get underway in under a month’s time; across the two days 13 races will be run with $28million in prize money on offer.

From the 9th of January, horses have been booking their places via the ‘Win & You’re In’ system, which allocates an entry to the winner of each of the 79 Breeders’ Cup Challenge races. These Challenge races take place around the world, and a host of international raiders will take up their offered entry, descending upon Santa Anita Park on the 4th and 5th of November to take on the best in their category.

In true international style, the first Challenge race winner was the South African, Smart Call, and following the unfortunate set of circumstances that led to her missing the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes, trainer Alec Laird has declared that providing her recovery continues without hiccup she remains on track for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Over 60 further horses have posted victories in Challenge races, representing breeding from 12 countries; Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA.

The feature showpiece of the Breeders’ Cup Championships is the $6million Breeders’ Cup Classic, which looks set to be contested by the first three home in the Dubai World Cup, including the world’s highest rated horse, California Chrome. Second place Mubtaahij will be looking to spoil the American party but has nearly 4 lengths to find on the former Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, and 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic third (pictured, in former owner colours).

Given the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe result in Chantilly and the likely line-up of international stars, the Longines Turf, placed 55 minutes earlier on the card, is a race that may provide equal firepower and a greater international feel. The British bred, US conquering Flintshire is set to take on Arc winner and current champion, Found, as well as King George first and third, Highland Reel and Dartmouth respectively. Dartmouth would be the first royal owned runner at the Breeders’ Cup Championships ever. In the same race, the challenge from South America comes from Argentina’s now perennial US runner, Kasaqui, and Brazil’s Gran Premio Brazil winner, My Cherie Amour.

The international rights to this spectacular meeting, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Breeders’ Cup Turf are available exclusively through HBA. Broadcast options include; live 5 hour NBC coverage or a fully produced hour programme designed for international viewers. Contact us for more details by email at racing@hbaracing.tv or call +44(0) 1666 822769.