The Breeders’ Cup is coming up fast, and if you’re heading to Keeneland Race Course for this year’s event, we have 10 things you need to know before you go.

Irish horses compete for a Breeders’ Cup spot. (Eclipse Sportswire)

1. The Breeders’ Cup is horse racing’s world championships.

That means it’s a global affair: this year, qualifying races were held in 11 different countries including Japan, Ireland, Brazil, Peru, Canada, and South Africa.

Juvenile turf sprinters in the 2020 Breeders’ Cup. (Eclipse Sportswire)

2. There are 14 races spread over two days.

Because some horses prefer to run long and some like to sprint, some like dirt and some prefer the grass, there are 14 different Breeders’ Cup races spread out over two days. There are races for males, females, young Thoroughbreds, and open company. Basically, there’s a Breeders’ Cup option for every horse … as long as they’re the best of the best.

TLC at Keeneland in 2020. (Eclipse Sportswire)

3. Safety for horses is a huge priority.

The Breeders’ Cup takes safety seriously. Veterinarians will be on-site to monitor equine health before, during, and after the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and a 24-hour equine security watch begins on Nov. 1, with all horses required to be at Keeneland by that date.

Flightline arrives at Keeneland. (Coady Photography)

4. This year’s Breeders’ Cup is all about Flightline.

Flightline is the big favorite for the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. He’s won all five of his races in some of the fastest times by any horse this century. All eyes will be on this speedy sensation when he lines up against seven top-class horses in the Longines Classic, which will be shown nationwide on NBC at 5:40 p.m. ET.

Two-year-olds compete in the 2020 Juvenile. (Eclipse Sportswire)

5. Friday is all about the future.

Want a preview of next year’s Triple Crown hopefuls? How about the fillies who will run for the lilies in 2023? Then you need to pay attention to Future Stars Friday, when five Breeders’ Cup races for 2-year-old Thoroughbreds will be run: the FanDuel Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the NetJets Juvenile Fillies, the Juvenile Turf, the Juvenile Fillies Turf, and the Juvenile Turf Sprint.

Millinery options abound at the Breeders’ Cup. (Eclipse Sportswire)

6. It’s an international fashion event.

The Breeders’ Cup is a sartorial paradise: from sleek European style to exuberant American fashion, the Breeders’ Cup is a great place to see and be seen, and this year fans will plan to showcase their best fall wardrobes at Keeneland where temperatures can get chilly in early November.

Kentucky's native spirit. (Wikimedia Commons)

7. Kentucky’s signature drink is showcased.

If there’s one thing the bluegrass state is known for aside from fast horses, it’s bourbon – and for three days some of the best distilleries will be showcasing their finest libations at the Bourbon Showcase held at Lexington’s new Greyline Station marketplace. Cheers!

8. There’s a fan festival on Friday night.

What’s the best way to celebrate the Breeders’ Cup? With your fellow fans, of course! Head over Greyline Station on Friday night after the races for an international-themed Block Party (free admission) featuring cocktails, great food, and live music.

9. The Breeders’ Cup is all about charity.

Since 2008, the Breeders’ Cup has raised more than $1 million for charity, including retired racehorse aftercare, the Thoroughbred Charities of America, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, and so many more. A couple of charity events are lined up for next week: the Fashionable Fillies luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 2 benefiting The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, and the Thoroughbred Charities Bash on Friday, Nov. 4 after the races benefiting Thoroughbred Charities of America.

Eclipse Sportswire

10. Tickets are still available!

If you don’t have your tickets yet, don’t stress! Tickets are still available for Future Stars Friday. And don’t forget to make parking arrangements: the Breeders’ Cup will offer a shuttle service on both days – get your pass here.