The Breeders Cup is an annual horse racing event that brings together some of the best horses from around the world. Each year, top thoroughbreds compete for millions of dollars in prize money and the prestigious title of Breeders Cup champion.
Since its inception in 1984, the Breeders Cup has seen some incredible performances and record-breaking times on its tracks. But in this list, let’s name the seven fastest times ever recorded at the Breeders Cup.
Ghostzapper
If you’ve been closely following Breeders’ Cup Betting, you’re likely aware of Ghostzapper’s commanding performance in the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic. His incredible winning time of 1:59.02 remains unmatched, showcasing his exceptional speed and prowess on the dirt track.
This wire-to-wire victory marked his fourth consecutive win in 2004, following impressive triumphs in the Tom Fool Handicap, Woodward Stakes, and Philip H. Iselin Breeders’ Cup Handicap.
Despite a relatively low number of career starts, Ghostzapper succeeded in nine out of eleven races, solidifying his reputation as a legendary runner. Recognizing his remarkable achievements, he was rightfully inducted into the esteemed National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2012.
Skip Away
Skip Away, a four-time Eclipse Award winner, showcased his exceptional talent by securing 10 Grade 1 victories and amassing over $9.6 million in earnings throughout his illustrious career. His crowning achievement came in the 1997 Classic at Hollywood Park, where he delivered a spectacular performance that remains a highlight in racing history.
During the race, Skip Away took the lead midway through the competition. Despite setting a blistering pace with impressive times of 1:09.6 for six furlongs and 1:33.96 for one mile, the remarkable gray horse did not falter. Instead, he extended his lead steadily, ultimately dominating the field by an impressive six lengths and setting a Classic record time of 1:59.16 seconds, a mark that stood unchallenged for seven years.
Raven’s Pass
Raven’s Pass, known for his prowess as a European miler, demonstrated his versatility over a fast synthetic surface at Santa Anita during the 2008 Classic. Initially positioned in 10th place, Raven’s Pass made a remarkable surge around the final turn, overtaking competitors like Henrythenavigator and the reigning Classic champion Curlin.
In a thrilling finish, Raven’s Pass showcased his speed and stamina, crossing the finish line 1 3/4 lengths ahead of his rivals in a track-record time of 1:59.27 seconds. This impressive victory highlighted Raven’s Pass’s ability to excel over longer distances and solidified his reputation as a top contender in the racing world.
Cat Thief
In a thrilling upset at Gulfstream Park, Cat Thief etched his name in racing history by clocking an impressive 1:59.52 seconds during the 1999 Classic, lowering the record set by Cigar four years earlier. Despite arriving in Florida with modest results for the season, the resilient 3-year-old had shown promise by performing well in Grade 1 races, including the Kentucky Derby.
Throughout the race, Cat Thief demonstrated his determination by maintaining pace with fast fractions of 23.11, 45.76, and 1:09.99 seconds. He then pulled ahead to secure a remarkable victory by 1 1/4 lengths, defying the odds at 19-1 and delivering a career-defining performance highlighting his potential and skill on the track.
Cigar
Renowned as “unconquerable, invincible, unbeatable” by Tom Durkin, a celebrated race caller, Cigar made history as the first horse to conquer the Breeders’ Cup Classic in under two minutes.
Completing a flawless 10-for-10 campaign, Cigar sealed his legacy with a commanding 2 1/2-length victory in the Classic at Belmont Park, securing his eighth Grade 1 triumph. Impressively, his final time of 1:59.58 seconds on a muddy track shattered the previous Classic record of 2:00.2 seconds by over half a second, further solidifying his status as a legendary and dominant force in horse racing.
Other Notable Sprinters
Besides the Classic, here are bonus sprinters in other Grade I Thoroughbred horse races in the Breeders’ Cup.
Midnight Lute
In 2008, Midnight Lute, under the guidance of trainer Bob Baffert, set an unbeaten speed record in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, clocking an impressive time of 1:07.08 to secure his second consecutive victory. This win surpassed his previous triumph and showcased his exceptional speed and talent on the track.
Midnight Lute excelled over shorter distances, winning six out of 12 starts. His stellar performances earned him the title of American Champion Sprint Horse in 2007 and notable victories in prestigious races like the Perryville Stakes and Forego Handicap.
Golden Pal
Golden Pal showcased incredible speed and dominance at the 2021 Breeders’ Cup turf sprint event, where top international competitors vied for a portion of the $1 million prize pool. While the history of this race is marked by swift performances, none have quite matched the level of supremacy displayed by Golden Pal at Del Mar.
Under the guidance of trainer Wesley Ward, Golden Pal secured a remarkable victory with a finishing time of 54.75, solidifying his position as a standout in the field. This triumph marked his second Breeders’ Cup win, following his earlier success in the Juvenile Turf Sprint in 2020. Golden Pal has proven his prowess in stakes races with an impressive record of eight wins in 13 career starts and nearly $2 million in prize earnings.
Takeaway
While these record-breaking performances may have set a new standard for speed in the Classic race, there is no doubt that future sprinters will rise to the challenge and leave their lasting mark on this iconic event. And as fans continue to support and celebrate these remarkable athletes, the legacy of sprinters at the Breeders’ Cup will only continue to grow.
