The 2025 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is set to captivate racing enthusiasts with a lineup of five live broadcasts across NBC, FOX, Peacock, and CNBC. This prestigious series highlights North America's top thoroughbreds as they vie for automatic entry into their respective divisional races at the upcoming Breeders' Cup World Championships. Taking place from October 31 to November 1 at Del Mar, the championships will culminate an exciting season of racing. Through this challenge series, fans are given a unique opportunity to follow the journey of these remarkable horses toward the grand finale. The collaboration between Breeders' Cup Limited and major networks ensures extensive coverage, offering viewers nationwide multiple chances to witness the thrilling road leading up to the championships.

Key Dates and Locations in the Challenge Series

In a vibrant summer setting, the action begins on July 19 at Monmouth Park with the GI Haskell Stakes, broadcasted live on NBC and Peacock. Moving forward, August 2 marks a special event at Saratoga, where the GI FanDuel Fourstardave Stakes will be showcased on FOX, acting as a qualifier for the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. An innovative addition to the schedule this year is the GII Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint on August 30, which will air on NBC starting at 4:00 p.m. ET, qualifying horses for the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.

A climactic weekend awaits on October 4-5, featuring final challenge races. On Saturday, October 4, CNBC takes over with a two-hour broadcast from Santa Anita Park and Keeneland. The following day, NBC presents live coverage from Keeneland, including the GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes and the GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes, both offering automatic berths in the championships.

From coast to coast, these events promise an exhilarating experience for all horse racing aficionados, bringing together some of the finest athletes in the sport.

Through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, we gain insight into how strategic partnerships can enhance sports broadcasting. By leveraging multiple platforms, the series not only amplifies visibility but also deepens fan engagement. It serves as a reminder that successful sports programming requires more than just great athletes—it demands strong collaborations, creative scheduling, and broad accessibility. For those who tune in, it’s a chance to celebrate the spirit of competition while witnessing history in the making.