Global audiences set for classic showdown as Breeders’ Cup returns to Del Mar
Friday, 31st October 2025 - The much-anticipated Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Del Mar on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, promising two days of world-class racing and unmissable drama.
This year’s renewal is set to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with star horses returning to defend their titles and chase further glory on racing’s biggest international stage.
The Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic will feature an electrifying line-up headlined by Sierra Leone, the defending champion, who is set to face off against a formidable field that includes Journalism (Santa Anita Derby and Preakness Stakes winner), Fierceness (2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up and 2025 Pacific Classic winner), and Japanese raider Forever Young (2025 Saudi Cup winner). This elite cast underscores the event’s unmatched global strength and prestige.
Global Broadcast Reach
The 2025 Breeders’ Cup will receive comprehensive worldwide coverage, with 29 broadcasters showcasing the championship across more than 180 territories, courtesy of HBA Media.
- In the UK, fans can watch live on ITV4, with Sky Sports Racing and Racing TV also providing full coverage of what promises to be a spectacular weekend of racing.
- In the USA, host broadcaster NBC will feature the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic and Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (plus three other Group 1s) on its main channel, with full feed coverage from both days available across Peacock and USA Network. FanDuel TV will also show live continuous coverage of all Breeders’ Cup races over the two days.
- Two notable new deals will see Abema TV (Japan) make their Breeders’ Cup debut, whilst Abu Dhabi Media (MENA) has returned to the table after a few years away, with both attending onsite.
HBA Media will deliver a bespoke CJR90-minute show as part of the global offering, presented by Michelle Yu and Frankie Foster, with US owner Jayson Werth making a special guest appearance.
Full coverage details
Americas: NBC, USA Network, Peacock, FanDuel TV (USA); Sportsnet (Canada); ESPN/Disney+ (LATAM & Caribbean).
Europe: ITV4, Racing TV, Sky Sports Racing (UK & Ireland); Virgin Media (Ireland); D-Smart (Turkey); Polsat (Poland); Silknet (Georgia); Setanta (Balkans and Eurasia); SportyTV (Czech Republic); Viaplay (Scandinavia, Netherlands); WeDo TV (Germany, Switzerland, Austria).
Middle East and Africa: Abu Dhabi Media, Dubai Racing Channel (MENA); SuperSport (Africa).
Asia: FanCode (India); Abema TV, Netkeiba (Japan), the Green Channel (Japan); WeDo Asia (Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar).
Australia: Racing.com.
Global: Reuters (News); Sport24 (Airlines); TransWorld Sports (Magazine Show).
Quotes
Justin McDonald, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the Breeders’ Cup commented: “The Breeders’ Cup has always been defined by its global stature – bringing together the world’s best horses, jockeys, participants, and fans in one unforgettable celebration of sport. This year’s record distribution underscores the continued growth of our international audience and the strength of the Breeders’ Cup brand across continents. We’re grateful to HBA Media for their partnership and expertise in expanding our broadcast footprint, ensuring that the excitement and prestige of the Breeders’ Cup is shared with racing enthusiasts around the world."
Frank Sale, Chief Executive of HBA Media, said: “The Breeders’ Cup sits as the cornerstone of international racing, and we’re proud to help bring its stories, stars, and atmosphere to fans across the globe.
“With record commercial returns and distribution through HBA, this year’s broadcast reflects the truly global appeal of the event — live coverage in over 180 territories — ensuring that both racing and sport enthusiasts around the world can share in two days of world-class sport at its very best.”
ENDS
