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Five Ways to Enjoy Breeders’ Cup Week


The 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will take place at Keeneland Racecourse on October 30 and 31, with a full week of events and activities throughout the host city of Lexington. Make the most of Breeders’ Cup Week with these five tips for enjoying one of the most exciting weeks in horse racing! Lexington is the Horse Capital of the World, after all, and the whole city is coming together to make this an incredible event.

Host a Watch Party

Throw the ultimate Breeders’ Cup watch party with a free host package from our friends at VisitLex! These packages include decor, recipes, cocktail accessories and other items for hosting the perfect watch party. Request your package by clicking here, then pick up at the Lexington Visitors Center. The races will be broadcast live on October 30 and 31 from approximately 1 p.m. ET – 6:30 p.m. ET. View the broadcast schedule here.

Watch Morning Training

See some of the world’s best racehorses at Keeneland Racecourse as they prepare to compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Each morning at Keeneland, contenders will take to the track sporting custom saddle towels, making it easy to find your favorite horse! Training takes place from 5:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. each day. Keeneland is offering a special Breeders’ Cup week edition of their Morning Works tour, offering an inside look at this world class sporting event and its contenders.

Check out our Guide to Breeders’ Cup Mornings at Keeneland to plan your visit.

Experience the Breeders’ Cup Festival

Lexington will Purple Up to celebrate the Breeders’ Cup World Championships! Live music, watch parties and more events will take place throughout the city during the Breeders’ Cup Festival.

The headlining events of the week are undoubtedly the free Breeders’ Cup World Championships Watch Parties at the stunning Gatton Park in Downtown Lexington. Enjoy the races, live music, expert handicappers, food trucks and more.

Explore Lexington

Take time to explore the city of Lexington and all that it has to offer! Eat a locally-sourced meal, shop for that perfect souvenir, visit a distillery, and check out equine themed murals. The Horse Capital of the World has more than a rich equine culture, and the entire city is thrilled to welcome the world championships of horse racing back to the Bluegrass.

Plan your time in Lexington with help from the experts at VisitLex.

Visit a Horse Farm

Immerse yourself in the Horse Capital of the World with tours of horse farms, a vet clinic, feed mill, and more. What better way to celebrate Breeders’ Cup week than meeting past champions? Tours are available daily throughout Central Kentucky, book online or give us a call to plan your visit.

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