The sun was shining across the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club race track this past weekend at the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championship. Celebrity attendees like Elizabeth Banks, Carson Kressley and former Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora sipped champagne and savored the views of “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” in their most fashionable threads. From sophisticated fascinators to colorful bowties, the crowd was dressed to impress.
Carson Kressley at the 2017 Breeders’ Cup
Although the horse races are the main event, there was plenty of pre and post-race entertainment available throughout the weekend, as well as creative initiatives at the track itself—especially for when your purse needed a break from the races.
A flyover takes place during the playing of the National Anthem during the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (Photo by Ting Shen/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup)
The weekend kicked off with an exclusive Taste of the World event at the Birch Aquarium in San Diego where internationally celebrated chefs gathered to prepare authentic cuisine for the thoroughbred VIPs. Featured chefs included Janine Booth of Root & Bone in New York City, Gregorio Stephenson of Nobu Malibu in Malibu, California and Yousef Ghalaini of FIG at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. The event came to a close with an intimate performance from Jewel, complete with a few off-the-cuff stories and improvised songs.
Singer Jewel at the 2017 Breeders’ Cup
At the track itself, the viewing lounges were stocked with refreshments while in the infield, attendees could savor exotic flavors at the Taste of Breeders’ Cup food tent and indulge in cocktails at a three-story bar presented by Hendrick’s Gin.
The field breaks from the gate during the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race on Day 2 of the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. (Photo by Carson Denis/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup)
The weekend’s biggest horse race came on Saturday, the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, where the 4-year-old colt Gun Runner captured the win, leaving the reining champ, Arrogate, in the dust. Following the races, the breeders, trainers, jockeys and attendees celebrated the end of the weekend’s festivities at the L’Auberge Del Mar with the California sunset.
Florent Geroux, aboard Gun Runner #5, celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic at the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. (Photo by Alex Evers/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup)
