The Breeders’ Cup World Championships returned to Del Mar, California, in the fall of 2024 and delivered two days of thrilling horse racing action. Fans were treated to top-class performances across various divisions, culminating in a dramatic running of the Breeders’ Cup Classic. In that marquee race, three-year-old star Sierra Leone stormed down the stretch to claim victory, overtaking Fierceness in the final strides. Sierra Leone’s winning time of 2:00.78 for 1¼ miles earned redemption for his connections after a narrow defeat in the Kentucky Derby earlier in the year. Jockey Flavien Prat guided Sierra Leone with a perfectly timed ride, securing Prat’s sixth Breeders’ Cup win. Fierceness held on for second place, while Forever Young finished third in a strong Classic field packed with international contenders.
Beyond the Classic, the 2024 Breeders’ Cup showcased excellence in every championship division. On the same Saturday card, standout filly Thorpedo Anna dominated the Distaff, beating older mares to cap off an undefeated season and stamp herself as a divisional champion. Sprint races provided lightning-fast finishes as elite sprinters blazed down the Del Mar stretch, and the turf races saw several European raiders make their presence felt. For instance, in the Turf championship, fans witnessed a thrilling duel between Irish and American runners, highlighting the global nature of the Breeders’ Cup.
Overall, fourteen new world champions were crowned over the weekend, each earning a coveted Breeders’ Cup trophy. From longshot upsets to favored champions delivering on expectations, the event had it all. The atmosphere at Del Mar was electric, with enthusiastic crowds packing the grandstands under sunny skies. As the sun set on the Pacific coast, the Breeders’ Cup 2024 concluded with memorable moments that will be discussed by horse racing enthusiasts for years to come, and anticipation is already building for the next edition of this year-end championship showcase.