Ever wonder what happens when college football goes head-to-head with a decades-old American sports tradition? The 2024 numbers say it all. FBS college football games averaged around 41,000 fans per game, with heavyweights like Michigan and Alabama pulling over 100,000 each. Meanwhile, the 2024 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar drew just 67,418 fans over two days. And yes, even though the Breeders’ Cup is a two-day horse racing spectacle while football runs roughly 3.5 months, it looks like some of that attention might quietly get more “stolen.” But how?

Well, FBS college football is out, and things are already heating up. On August 13, a user named Steak F shared a post on X teasing the action set for Saturday, November 1. Big matchups are on the slate, including Penn State vs. Ohio State, Miami vs. SMU, Arizona State vs. Iowa State, South Carolina vs. Ole Miss, and Texas Tech vs. Kansas State. Even Steak F captioned it: “I f**king DARE my wife to ask me to do some dumb s**t on November 1st.” Ouch, yeah, no one’s getting in the way of that football binge. But wait, November 1st?

It’s the same day the Breeders’ Cup will be held. Seeing this, Ed DeRosa fired back: “This slate pretty much renders the @BreedersCup meaningless beyond the racing bubble.” And just like that, horse racing fans collectively groaned. But let’s be clear, the Breeders’ Cup is no rookie. First held in 1984, this American legacy event turns 42 in 2025. Yet a single Saturday of high-profile college football games threatens to overshadow it.

For traditionalists, it’s a bitter pill to swallow; history alone doesn’t guarantee attention anymore. On October 31 and November 1, 2025, the Breeders’ Cup will run at Del Mar, but in an era of massive stadiums, viral X posts, and monster college football matchups, even a legendary championship can feel… small. College football might not just compete; it could quietly crush a 41-year-old institution, and the horse racing world is still trying to catch up. And the fans? They’re not staying silent about it.

Horse racing fans are loud, frustrated, and not holding back

One fan couldn’t hold back, writing, “This issss ridiculous. We get ignored every single time.” Another added, “This ain’t it. Breeders’ Cup gettin’ ghosted lmfao.” And yet another said simply, “Hate it so much.” The frustration is real, and it’s easy to see why. College football dominates the airwaves, with games broadcast nationally on ESPN, ABC, and FOX, keeping fans hooked week after week. Its traditions, rivalries, and community involvement run deep. By contrast, the Breeders’ Cup, while celebrated in horse racing circles, has a more niche audience and limited media exposure.

The difference isn’t just about visibility; it’s also about impact. College football generates massive revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights, fueling local economies and keeping the hype alive. The Breeders’ Cup contributes economically, too, but its reach is smaller, its influence more localized. And while horse racing may carry decades of history, it’s struggling to compete with the cultural weight of college football.

One fan even said, “College football sucks.” Another added, “They should reschedule it,” but the Breeders’ Cup has seldom been postponed or moved due to conflicts with other major sports. The event has run annually since 1984, with the only major change in 2007 when it expanded from one day to two to accommodate more races, not a clash with football, the NFL, or any other sport. While some weekends may coincide with big games, organizers plan dates well in advance to avoid conflicts and maximize attendance and media coverage, making sure the Breeders’ Cup holds its place on the calendar regardless of other sporting events.