Breeders’ Cup Returns to Del Mar; Sovereignty Scratched

The Breeders’ Cup returned to Del Mar as a two-day, 14-race festival featuring 177 horses and more than $34 million in purses, culminating Saturday with the $7 million Classic that will settle year-end divisional honors. Friday’s program highlighted Grade 1 juvenile races that serve as Kentucky Derby and Oaks qualifiers and attracted top international trainers, including Aidan O’Brien, who needs one more Breeders’ Cup winner to become the meet’s all-time winning trainer. The Classic lost presumed centerpiece Sovereignty to a fever, opening the door for contenders such as Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Journalism, Forever Young and Mindframe to press Horse of the Year claims before a large Del Mar crowd. The meet drew international entries and strong betting interest, with promotional offers from TwinSpires and UK bookmakers and accompanying gambling-risk warnings and age/legal restrictions. Organizers said the event again generated roughly $100 million in local economic impact, while fans noted the festival atmosphere — blending serious wagering with derby fashion and Halloween costumes.