King George kicks off European 'win and you're in' series

The Breeders' Cup trophy at Del Mar, where the two-day championships will be held on November 3-4

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday is the first of 18 races in Europe that are part of this year's Breeders' Cup Challenge offering a 'win and you're in' fees-paid berth to the two-day extravaganza at Del Mar on November 3-4.

The King George winner will be offered a guaranteed starting spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf, with entry fees and travel expenses also included for Challenge races outside North America. All Cup starters from outside North America this year will receive $40,000 in travel expenses.

Highland Reel won the Turf after claiming the King George in 2016, when a total of 43 Challenge-race winners also competed at the Breeders' Cup itself.

Now in its 11th year, the Breeders' Cup Challenge series features a total of 81 qualifying races staged in 13 different countries. Britain will host seven qualifying events, with five more in Ireland, four in France and two in Germany.

"We are very proud of the increased popularity and participation of horsemen around the world who take advantage of the benefits of an automatic berth and paid entry fees offered through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge as the best way to secure a starting position in the World Championships," said Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup President and CEO.

"Our racetrack and racing association partners are also a major part of the success of the series and we thank them for their participation in the programme."