Del Mar Race Track will host back-to-back Breeders’ Cups

Del Mar has been “selected to cash in again in 2025” as host of the Breeders' Cup, the first back-to-back host since Santa Anita “polished off a three-year run in 2014,” according to Bryce Miller of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. Miller wrote the prospect of going to Del Mar “four times in nine years staggers.” Del Mar’s President and COO Josh Rubinstein said any year “is a real privilege.” He added, “Back-to-back and four of nine is really special. It says a lot about the incredible support we get from the San Diego community.” Miller noted the 2017 event at Del Mar “still owns the on-track record for betting handle” at $25.18M. Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming said the event has been “such a resounding success the last two times we’ve been there.” Fleming: “I think it’s an iconic venue. It’s so amazing. In addition to having world-class facilities, there’s definitely passion in the air for racing” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 11/8).

GOING BACK MAKES SENSE: In L.A., John Cherwa wrote in many ways, the decision “is one based on necessity.” Since 2008, “only four tracks” have hosted the event: Santa Anita, Del Mar, Keeneland and Churchill Downs. Keeneland took itself out of the running for 2025 “when it announced last month that it planned major construction projects to include a permanent paddock building.” The Breeders’ Cup and Churchill Downs “do not appear to be in the same place when it comes to a revenue sharing agreement for the event.” It is “unclear whether Santa Anita even bid for the 2025 event” (L.A. TIMES, 11/8).