Entertainment Highlights Include Performances of Del Mar’s Signature Song “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” and Exciting F/A-18 Hornet Jet Flyover
Breeders’ Cup, one of Thoroughbred horseracing’s most prestigious international events, today announces the entertainment line-up for the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, taking place on November 3 and 4 at the iconic Del Mar racetrack near San Diego, California. Throughout the two-day event, fans will enjoy unique performances from some of the nation’s most notable musicians in addition to special activations highlighting the local community’s military organizations, including a first-of-its-kind F/A-18 Hornet jet flyover and several color guards. The diverse line-up further solidifies Breeders’ Cup’s commitment to providing fans with an unparalleled lifestyle experience that combines the best of world-class horseracing with vibrant entertainment and hospitality.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, November 3 with a rendition of “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” by 2018 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame nominee, Songwriters Hall of Famer and American Rock Icon and former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. Written by iconic actor and singer Bing Crosby, one of Del Mar racetrack’s founding partners, the song highlights the glamorous horseracing experience for which Del Mar is known. Sambora affirms what Crosby and others have always said, it's Cool as Ever!
The entertainment continues with a performance of the National Anthem by the Navy Band Southwest, one of the Navy’s most prestigious and historic musical organizations. The 45-member group, which has served as a source of pride for the San Diego community for over 80 years, regularly participates in community concert series and professional sporting events, including frequent performances with the San Diego Symphony. During the performance, sailors of the USS Makin Island Color Guard will present the colors of the United States of America.
On Saturday, November 4, Del Mar racetrack will welcome four-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Jewel for her interpretation of the venue’s “Where the Turf Meets the Surf.” Additionally, fans will enjoy a performance of the National Anthem by the 1st Marine Division Band, which features 50 Marine musicians who perform at over 300 events a year. The USMC Mounted Color Guard, comprised of Marines from the USMC base in Barstow, California will present the national ensign during the anthem.
A Breeders’ Cup first, the 34th annual event will also feature an exciting military flyover of two F/A-18 Hornet twin-engine, supersonic combat jets that serve as both fighter and attack aircrafts. The flyover will be conducted by the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 “Red Devils” and will take place immediately following the National Anthem, instilling a sense of excitement synonymous with the Breeders’ Cup experience.
“Entertainment is a critical component of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and we are thrilled to present this year’s exciting line-up,” said Bryan Pettigrew, Chief Marketing Officer of the Breeders’ Cup. “The special renditions of Where the Turf Meets the Surf and the military performances are sure to add an exciting new element to the weekend, and we look forward to celebrating the international nature of Breeders’ Cup alongside our troops and fans alike.”
About Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 13 Grade I races with purses and awards totaling more than $28 million, will be held November 3-4 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. The Breeders’ Cup culminates with the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, which was rated No. 1 in the world in the final 2016 Longines World’s Best Horse Race rankings. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.