The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships injected more than $125 million into the local economy, according to a study released Monday.
The two-day horse racing event took place at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Oct. 31-Nov. 1 and drew bets totaling $210 million. It was the second-straight year and the third time in five years that Del Mar has hosted the World Championships.
The prestigious event first came to the San Diego region in 2017, then returned in 2021 and 2024.
Monday’s report, conducted by California-based Sport Management Research Institute, found the Breeders’ Cup supported 1,023 jobs, generating $51.8 million in labor income and $80.2 million (equivalent to GDP) in value added to local businesses.
The impact is on the upswing as well, according to a Breeders’ Cup news release. Compared to the 2017 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar and adjusted for inflation, the 2025 edition saw a 38.9% increase in employment impact and a 12.3% increase in total economic output.
Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited said the organization “is proud to deliver not only world-class racing, but also meaningful economic impact for our host communities.
“The results from Del Mar in 2025 demonstrate the strength of our global festival, from record wagering to significant job creation and visitor spending,” Fleming added. “We’re especially encouraged by the strong tourism indicators, which show how the World Championships continue to elevate host destinations and drive long-term economic benefits well beyond Breeders’ Cup week.”
According to the study, visitors generated $11 million in federal taxes and $7.6 million in state and local taxes. Visitors spent $38.7 million on hotels, dining, retail, transportation and entertainment. The study also found that $5 million was spent on facility enhancements and event infrastructure at Del Mar.
Those from outside San Diego County accounted for 61% of the 43,705 attendees, with 82.5% saying the event was the primary purpose of their trip to the area. Visitor spending included $11.5 million on entertainment, recreation and attractions apart from the races.
The average visiting party stayed 2.5 nights and spent approximately $5,455 for their trip, the report found.
“The success of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup speaks to how strongly San Diegans have embraced horse racing, especially the World Championships,” said Josh Rubinstein, president of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
In addition, two-thirds of attendees surveyed said they planned to return to the region within the next year. Almost 70% reported that they held a more favorable impression of the region after attending the event.
“The Breeders’ Cup delivered a significant boost to San Diego’s economy – supporting local jobs, generating millions in visitor spending, and bringing global attention to our region,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This is exactly the kind of major event that drives opportunity for our small businesses and workers while reinforcing San Diego’s reputation as a world- class destination.”
Forever Young won the highest-profile race at the 2025 event, the Breeders’ Cup Classic, finishing ahead of Sierra Leone and Fierceness.
The 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships is set for Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course in Kentucky. The following year the races shift to Belmont Park in New York.
City News Service contributed to this report.
