The world’s fastest horses met the surf and sun at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships — and the action didn’t disappoint.

From Juveniles to Turf titans, the weekend gave us breakout stars, unforgettable finishes, and a few photo-frame moments that’ll live long past the roar of the crowd.

Friday Highlights – Future Stars Shine

• Ted Noffey (John Velazquez) stormed home in the FanDuel Juvenile, stamping himself as one to watch heading into the Triple Crown trail.

• Super Corredora (Hector Berrios) owned the Juvenile Fillies, blending speed and grit to take command late.

• Balantina (Oisin Murphy) delivered a masterclass on the lawn in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

• Queen Maxima (Juan Hernandez) proved royal in the Senator Ken Maddy Stakes, while Mohaven and Ocean Bear took down their Golden State divisions for the locals.

Saturday – Champions Rise

The big stage brought big performances:

• Suchet, piloted by Joel Rosario, captured the Sunrise with a drive that left no doubt.

• Cy Fair (Irad Ortiz Jr.) claimed the Longines Turf, holding off a furious stretch duel to secure international glory.

• Vodka Vodka, Kent Desormeaux aboard, poured it on late in the Pacific Shore.

• And for those watching the undercard, Conducted (Hector Berrios) struck the right note in the Aftercare Alliance Stakes.

Scenes from the Surf

The Del Mar backstretch buzzed all week — from morning gallops by Sierra Leone, White Abarrio, and Touch of Destiny, to the calm precision of Notable Speech and Bellezza under the rising coastal sun. Every barn had its hopeful, every walk-over told a story.

Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

David Frerker, David Frerker-Imagn Images