Breeders' Cup Releases 2024 Dirt Dozen Schedule

Breeders’ Cup Limited has released the 2024 schedule for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Dozen, an incentive-based participation bonus program for horsemen pointing runners to the dirt races in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Launched in 2022, the 12-race program is comprised of existing graded stakes races scheduled from May through October at six tracks throughout the United States.

"We are happy to once again offer our lucrative Dirt Dozen program," said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “Each year $525,000 is offered in awards, and many horsemen benefit from the credits offered towards entry fees for our Championship dirt races. We look forward to extending this incentive once again to connections preparing for a dirt division race at Del Mar this November."

The Dirt Dozen program will again award bonus credits funded by the Breeders’ Cup for first through third finishes in the 12-race schedule. Horsemen may use those credits toward entry fees for one of six Breeders’ Cup World Championships dirt races: the $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), $2 million FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), $2 million NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), $1 million PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), and the $1 million Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

In Dirt Dozen races in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup race divisions, the bonus tier is allocated at $30,000 for first, $15,000 for second, and $7,500 for third. In Dirt Dozen races in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup race divisions, the bonus tier will award $15,000 for first, $7,500 for second, and $3,750 for third. Horses may bankroll multiple awards earned and apply towards their Championship entry fees.

The Dirt Dozen program begins May 4 with the Derby City Distaff presented by Kendall-Jackson Winery (G1) at Churchill Downs. The first three finishers in the race will earn credits toward entry fees for a potential start in the PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Nominations for the Derby City Distaff close Wednesday, April 10.

The Dirt Dozen concludes Sept. 29 with the Zenyatta Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park, where the first three finishers in the race will earn credits toward entry fees for a potential start in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

Further information on rules and participation in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Dozen program is available on the Breeders’ Cup Members site.