And They're Off! On the Scene at the 2016 Breeders Cup

Elizabeth Banks at the 2016 Breeders Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park on November 5 — Elizabeth Banks at the 2016 Breeders Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park

On Saturday, November 5, 2016, the Breeders’ Cup returned to Santa Anita Park for its 33rd running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. This year marked a record ninth time that Santa Anita hosted the Cup, one of Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international events, consisting of 13 races and purses totaling $26 million over two days.

In an exciting race to the finish line Arrogate passed the crowd favorite California Chrome to capture the Breeder’s Cup Classic. Jockey Mike Smith is a four-time Classic Winner, while Arrogate won his fifth consecutive race. Coincidently,

Emily Ratajakowski, Susan Sarandon, Elizabeth Banks and Camilla Belle

Allison Janney, who presented a trophy to Mike Smith at the Winner’s Circle, was one of many celebrities in attendance at the event. Other stars who turned up to catch the action included Elizabeth Banks, Emily Ratajkowski, Bobby Flay, Allison Janney, Wilmer Valderrama, Constance Zimmer, Taylor Lautner, Bo Derek, Aisha Tyler, Billie Lourd, Katie Aselton and Holland Roden. Boyz II Men were also on hand to perform their soulful harmonies in front of a record-breaking crowd of 72,811.

This annual world-class event, which was presented by watch brand Longines, combines the finest Thoroughbred racing with an unparalleled lifestyle, culinary, and entertainment experience. In addition to the racing, award-winning chefs will be creating unique food and beverage experiences for guests throughout the weekend. The Breeders’ Cup will also be curating unique shopping and interactive social media experiences for all guests and VIP ticket holders. The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2016 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 13 (grade I) races with purses and awards totaling $28 million, will be held Nov. 4-5 at Santa Anita in Pasadena, CA and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group.