© Phalaris Project 2013-2017 - Last updated July 8, 2017 In April 1982, Gainesway Farm's John Gaines proposed a series of races worth $15 million to be funded by nominations based on stallion stud fees and nominations of individual horses, along with sustaining payments. The stated object was to create a "World Series"-like event for horse racing that would capture the attention of the general public and media. Original plans called for an inaugural event in October 1984, consisting of seven races: races for 2-year-olds and 2-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles; a seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds and upward; and a 10-furlong race for fillies and mares; all worth $1 million; a $2 million, 12-furlong turf race; and a $5 million, 10-furlong race. The seventh race was a steeplechase, worth $500,000. The first Breeders' Cup was held on Nov. 10, 1984, at Hollywood Park, consisting of a series of races that differed very little from Gaines' original vision. A one-mile turf race had been added to the lineup and the purse of the showcase event, now known as the Classic, had been dropped to $3 million; additionally, the 2-year-old races were conducted at a mile. Over the years since, purses have gradually increased and numerous additional events have been added. Several tracks have played host to the Breeders' Cup to date: Hollywood Park and Santa Anita in California; Aqueduct and Belmont in New York; Gulfstream Park in Florida; Churchill Downs in Kentucky; Woodbine in Canada; Arlington Park in Illinois; and Lone Star Park in Texas. The date of the Breeders' Cup is usually the last Saturday in October or the first Saturday in November and has varied from as early as Oct. 25 in 2003 to Nov. 21 in 1987. The Breeders' Cup website offers a wealth of interesting material. http://www.breederscup.com/ Made with MAGIX