Breeders’ Cup Introduces Dirt Incentive Program

Wandering Eyes · May 26, 2022

Officials at the Breeders' Cup have announced the unveiling of the 'Breeders' Cup Dirt Dozen', a series comprised of existing graded stakes races at a variety of distances taking place from May through October at six U.S. tracks.

The 'Dirt Dozen' will award monetary credits–funded by Breeders' Cup–for first- through third-place finishers in selected races for horsemen to use for entry fees in six Grade I Breeders' Cup Dirt races–the $2-million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff, the $2-million Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint, the $2-million TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile, the $2-million NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, the $1-million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint and the $1-million Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

The bonus tier within the $2-million Breeders' Cup divisions is paid out $30,000 for first, $15,000 for second and $7,500 for third. In the $1-million race division, the bonus tier is $15,000 for first, $7,500 for second and $3,750 for third.

The GI Derby City Distaff was the first of the 'Dirt Dozen' races to be contested this year. The series continues July 2 with the GII Fleur de Lis S. at Churchill and the GIII Smile H. at Gulfstream Park.

“In our continuing efforts to support horsemen, the new 'Dirt Dozen' program is an innovative way to provide credits which can be put toward entry fees for runners to compete in the dirt races of the World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Breeders' Cup Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer. “We look forward to connections taking advantage of the incentives of the Dirt Dozen program and seeing them at Keeneland this November.”