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And They’re Off! Breeders’ Cup brings horse racing’s biggest stars to Keeneland

Colin Keane, left, rides Tarnawa to win the Breeders' Cup Turf horse race at Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
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AP
Colin Keane, left, rides Tarnawa to win the Breeders' Cup Turf horse race at Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

For the fourth time in history, he Breeders’ Cup World Championships return to Keeneland this weekend, bringing some of the world’s top horses to Lexington for two days of championship racing.

The event runs Friday and Saturday and features 14 races with a combined $34 million in purses and awards.

Friday’s Future Stars Friday features five races for 2-year-old horses. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., with the first race scheduled for 11:55 a.m.

Saturday’s Championship Saturday includes nine races, highlighted by the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, scheduled for 6:16 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m., with the first race set for 11:15 a.m.

This is the fourth time Keeneland has hosted the Breeders’ Cup, an international event often considered one of the biggest weekends in horse racing.

Saturday is sold out but some tickets still remain for Friday's races.

Find races, post times and a list of Breeders' Cup events here.

Karyn Czar has been a journalist with WUKY since 2013 and is currently the Assistant News Director. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and brings more than 30 years of broadcast experience to NPR. Karyn's work has been recognized with numerous Associated Press, Kentucky Broadcaster Association, Public Media Journalist, and Edward R. Murrow awards throughout her career.