World Championships Will be Held Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland 
Tickets On Sale to Public April 21 at Noon ET. 

Community leaders and Thoroughbred racing executives gathered today at Keeneland Race Course to officially welcome the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Lexington, Ky., marking a highly anticipated homecoming for one of the sport’s most prestigious global events. 

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, Keeneland President & CEO Shannon Arvin, Breeders’ Cup Limited President & CEO Drew Fleming, and Kip Cornett, Chair of the Breeders’ Cup Festival, joined to commemorate the occasion and highlight the significance of hosting the 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on Oct. 30–31. Tickets for the World Championships go on sale to the public April 21 at noon ET. 

Tuesday’s event celebrated not only the return of the World Championships to Keeneland for the first time since 2022, but also the continued partnership between the Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland, and the Lexington community. 

“We’re excited to welcome the Breeders’ Cup back to Lexington,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “The Breeders’ Cup shines an international spotlight on our city, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate what makes Lexington the Horse Capital of the World. We’re ready for visitors; Condé Nast recently ranked our city as the most tourist-friendly city in the U.S.!” 

Speakers emphasized the economic impact, international visibility, and community pride associated with hosting the Breeders’ Cup, which will draw tens of thousands of attendees and participants from around the globe. The 2025 World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club resulted in an economic impact of $125 million, it was announced Monday. 

“Today marks an exciting milestone as we officially welcome the Breeders’ Cup back to Keeneland,” said Drew Fleming. “There is something truly special about hosting the World Championships in Lexington, the heart of horse country and the epicenter of Thoroughbred racing. The passion of this community, combined with Keeneland’s world-class experience, ensures an unforgettable edition for fans, participants, and our global racing audience.” 

Officials also highlighted ticket availability for the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. A range of ticket options, including premium hospitality experiences, reserved seating, and general admission, will be available to the public, with demand expected to be high given Keeneland’s intimate setting and the global appeal of the World Championships. As in years past, the Breeders’ Cup will cap attendance to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all patrons. With a 43,000 cap each day, fans are encouraged to register for ticket updates and purchase early to secure preferred seating.

"Hosting the Breeders’ Cup reflects a shared commitment between our organizations to showcase racing at the highest level while creating an exceptional experience for our participants, fans, and partners from around the globe... and we look forward to doing that once again this Fall,” Shannon Arvin said. 

Kip Cornett noted the importance of the Breeders’ Cup Festival in engaging the broader community, with a lineup of events planned throughout Lexington in the days leading up to the Championships. 

“The Breeders’ Cup is more than two days of racing; it’s a celebration of our city, our industry, and our shared heritage,” Cornett said. “We’re excited to once again showcase Lexington on a global stage.” 

The 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will feature the sport’s top horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys competing for racing’s most coveted titles across 14 championship races worth more than $34 million in purses and awards. 

For more information and to sign up for ticket updates, visit BreedersCup.com/tickets. 

For photos from Tuesday’s event, visit BreedersCup.Photoshelter.com. Additional resources may be found in the Breeders’ Cup Digital Press Kit.