The annual star-studded horse racing event totaled $26 million in purses over two days.
Decked out derby style, Taylor Lautner, Wilmer Valderrama, Constance Zimmer and more stars lined the luxurious purple carpet on Saturday to watch the 33rd running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Held for the ninth time at Santa Anita Park just outside of Pasadena, the Breeders’ Cup is a two-day annual event consisting of thoroughbred racing, dressing up and the age old tradition of betting. The cup consists of 13 racers with purses totaling $26 million over two days.
When asked who he was betting on, Lautner turned and yelled to reporters, “Definitely California Chrome,” as he was hastily heading into the park.
Emily Ratajkowski, Laura Bell Bundy and Steven Jackson were also among the crowd of celebrities in attendance at the event.
Before heading into the park, Ratajkowski stopped to talk with The Hollywood Reporter about the races. “I’m from San Diego so I’ve been going to the Del Mar Races for a long time. The first time I went I was probably 11, I think,” she said. “It’s something fun I kind of grew up doing and I’ve never been to the Breeders’ Cup, so why not?”
NFL running back Stephen Jackson joked with reporters as he reached the end of the purple carpet. “Football is easier than horse betting because with football I at least know what I’m doing,” said Jackson. On a slightly more serious note, he also shared some insight into his political views. “I’m voting for the person that protects my individuality and my family,” Jackson said to reporters.
The event culminated with the Classic, a race in which most all of the record 72,811 people in attendance favored the sleek brown thoroughbred, California Chrome. Unfortunately neither they or Lautner got their wish. In the final stretch, with only a couple meters to the finish line, the dark grey Arrogate ran down the favored California Chrome and was crowned winner of the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
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