Breeders' Cup Entertainment Schedule Announced

Breeders' Cup, one of Thoroughbred horse racing's most prestigious international events, today announces the entertainment schedule for the 2018 Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will take place Nov. 2 and 3 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the course of the two-day event, fans will enjoy performances and presentations from world-renowned musicians and esteemed members of the military, underscoring Breeders' Cup's commitment to curating a comprehensive luxury lifestyle experience that combines world-class racing with exceptional entertainment.

"Every year we strive to provide our fans with a rich roster of entertainment experiences that celebrates the local community and also highlights the international appeal of the Breeders' Cup," said Peter Rotondo, Vice President of Media and Entertainment of the Breeders' Cup. "We are excited to welcome the impressive line-up of musical talent to this year's event."

The World Championships weekend will begin on Friday, November 2 with the Breeders' Cup's Future Stars Friday, featuring all five Juvenile races on the same day for the first time ever. In line with the spirit of the day and its focus on up-and-coming talent, the National Anthem will be performed by Caroline Siegrist, a student at Floyd Central High School in Southern Indiana and one of America's most promising young stars. A prominent figure in Louisville's musical community, Caroline has performed locally as part of the Actors Theatre of Louisville, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Kentucky Opera, Stage One, and Pam Tillis & Friends. On a national scale, Caroline's many accomplishments include being selected to sing "America the Beautiful" at the 2014 US Tennis Open in Queens, New York. 

Friday's entertainment will continue with an inspired presentation of the colors of the United States of America by the Culver Military Color Guard. Following the races, guests will also enjoy a performance by Tony and the Tan Lines, a Kentucky favorite known for delivering an eclectic line-up that combines the smooth soul of the 70's with the hot Miami sound of the 80's. 

On Saturday, November 3, world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns will welcome fans with the National Anthem.  A passionate Thoroughbred horse racing fan, Kearns recently performed at the 2018 Preakness Stakes in Maryland and Pegasus World Cup in Florida.  Also ahead of the races, the Culver Military Guard will once again set the tone for the day of international competition and camaraderie with the presentation of the national flag on the racetrack alongside participants from Kentucky Wounded Heroes, the Louisville Sea Cadets and Western Kentucky University, and other uniformed military members. Fans will also enjoy a special rendition of "America the Beautiful" by Shea Leparoux, a Thoroughbred industry insider who is the wife of jockey Julien Leparoux and daughter of late trainer Mike Mitchell.  Shea will be accompanied by guitarist Tyler Anderson from the group A Lion Named Roar. Linkin' Bridge, a local Louisville ensemble that gained national acclaim as a finalist on the popular television show "America's Got Talent" will also perform "My Old Kentucky Home."

Immediately after the last race of the day, the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic, Churchill Downs will welcome local band Color Me Badd for a closing performance. Hailing from Louisville, the 5-piece cover band specializes in bringing together the best of pop, rock and dance music for a lively and energetic show. 

The 2018 Breeders' Cup World Championships will be held on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Churchill Downs racetrack for the ninth time. To learn more about the 2018 Breeders' Cup World Championships and to purchase tickets, please visit www.breederscup.com/2018.