What Is 2017 Breeders' Cup Classic

Overview

The 2017 Breeders' Cup Classic was the 34th running of the prestigious race, held on November 4, 2017, at Del Mar Racetrack in California. It served as the marquee event of the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships, drawing top-tier thoroughbreds from across North America and Europe.

This Grade I stakes race attracted a field of 12 horses competing over a 1¼-mile dirt track, with a total purse of $6 million. The race is widely regarded as one of the most important events in horse racing, often influencing year-end awards such as Horse of the Year.

• Gun Runner won decisively by 2½ lengths, solidifying his status as a top contender for Horse of the Year after a dominant 2017 campaign.
• The race marked the first time the Breeders’ Cup was hosted at Del Mar, a historic track known for its seaside location and modern facilities.
• Collected Time of 2:01.25 was slightly off the track record but still reflected a strong pace under pressure from multiple challengers.
• Favorite Arrogate, the 2016 winner, finished fifth after a late surge failed to close the gap on Gun Runner.
• Attendance was approximately 66,000 over the two-day event, with significant national television coverage on NBC.

How It Works

The Breeders’ Cup Classic is structured as a weight-for-age race, meaning horses carry predetermined weights based on age and sex, not handicap assessments.

• Distance: The race is run over 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on a dirt surface, testing both speed and stamina in elite thoroughbreds.
• Eligibility: Open to horses aged three years and older, with invitations often extended based on prior graded stakes performance.
• Purse Distribution: The 2017 prize pool was $6 million, with the winner receiving $3.5 million, second place $1 million, and smaller shares down to tenth.
• Timing: Held annually in early November, the 2017 edition took place on November 4, the second day of the Breeders’ Cup weekend.
• Qualification: Horses gain entry through automatic berths via the 'Win and You're In' Challenge Series or trainer nomination and selection.
• Jockey Strategy: Florent Geroux kept Gun Runner just behind early leader West Coast, then surged in the final turn to secure victory.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the top finishers in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic compared in performance and payout:

The race highlighted the decline of Arrogate, who had dominated in 2016, while Gun Runner’s consistency throughout the year culminated in this victory. The competitive field demonstrated the depth of talent in American thoroughbred racing during the 2017 season.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic had major implications for awards, breeding value, and legacy in horse racing.

• Gun Runner was named 2017 Horse of the Year, capping a perfect five-for-five season that included wins in the Stephen Foster and Woodward Stakes.
• The race marked the end of Arrogate’s elite dominance, who finished fifth and was later retired due to health concerns.
• Trainer Steve Asmussen earned his first Breeders’ Cup Classic win, a milestone in a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
• Del Mar’s successful hosting paved the way for future major events at the Southern California track.
• International viewership exceeded 100 million, boosting the global profile of U.S. horse racing.
• The event also highlighted advancements in equine safety and track maintenance, with no injuries reported during the Classic.

Ultimately, the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic served as both a climax to the racing season and a turning point in the careers of several champion horses and their connections.