2021 Breeders' Cup Classic
The 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic was the 38th running of the Breeders' Cup Classic, part of the 2021 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships program, and the fourth race in the so-called Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing in North America. It was run on November 6, 2021 at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. It proved decisive in American Horse of the Year voting as it featured the top-ranked older horse Knicks Go and the leading three-year-olds, Essential Quality and Medina Spirit. The race was won by Knicks Go.
| Breeders' Cup Classic | |
| Location | Del Mar Racetrack |
|---|---|
| Date | November 6, 2021 |
| Winning horse | Knicks Go |
| Winning time | 1:59.57 |
| Jockey | Joel Rosario |
| Trainer | Brad Cox |
| Owner | Korea Racing Authority |
| Conditions | fast |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Attendance | 26,553 |
The Classic is run on dirt at one mile and one-quarter (approximately 2000 m). The purse of $6,000,000 was the highest in North America in 2021. The race is run under weight-for-age conditions, with entrants carrying the following weights:
- Northern Hemisphere three-year-olds: 122 lb
- Southern Hemisphere three-year-olds: 117 lb
- Four-year-olds and up: 126 lb
- Any fillies or mares receive a 3 lb allowance
The race was broadcast on NBC.