There are few events on the horse racing schedule that appear to a more global audience than the Breeders’ Cup.
Superstars from across the planet compete in races during the two-day meeting in the hope of winning million dollar purses, with bettors typically weighing up connections of past Breeders’ Cup winners since historical success at the meeting could impact the chances of a potential 2026 contender.
But, who are some of the most popular trainers worth following at this year’s edition of the Breeders’ Cup?
Aidan O’Brien
No trainer has recorded more winners at the Breeders’ Cup than legendary Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien. The 56-year-old is head of the Ballydoyle stable in County Tipperary and is widely regarded as one of the greatest trainers of all-time.
O’Brien’s dominance in major races has continued throughout 2026, winning the Epsom Derby with Christmas Day, the Irish 1,000 Guineas with Precise, and the Ascot Gold Cup with Scandinavia.
The maestro will have a significant travelling team for this year’s Breeders’ Cup, headlined by Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, who will be pointed toward the Breeders’ Cup Turf. O’Brien will also have leading chances in the Mile, Filly & Mare Turf and Turf Sprint with the likes of Gstaad, Diamond Necklace, and Charles Darwin.
Bob Baffert
O’Brien is tied for the most wins in Breeders’ Cup alongside Bob Baffert, with both legendary figures recording 21 victories throughout their respective careers. Baffert is a four-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer, and he holds a dominant record in American Triple Crown races, headlined by six wins in the Kentucky Derby.
Baffert has been one of the most controversial figures in the sport throughout his career, with a further Derby victory scratched from the record books after Medina Spirit failed a post-race drugs test in 2021.
As one of the outstanding American trainers, Baffert will have a strong squad for this year’s Breeders’ Cup. His most likely chance of a winner will come in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, as Crude Velocity will rank among the leading contenders to give Baffert a second straight win in the race.
Francis Graffard
French trainer Francis Graffard made a breakthrough in American racing at last year’s Breeders’ Cup, with Gezora winning the Filly & Mare Turf. The 49-year-old has been one of the dominant forces in European racing throughout recent memory, headlined by the successes achieved by Calandagan and Daryz.
Since 2022, Graffard has been the main trainer for the Aga Khan in France, saddling winners of the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the Japan Cup. As one of Europe’s most respected trainers, Graffard will have his sights set on further global success this year.
His leading chance could come in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, as Prix du Moulin winner Erdenali will take on defending champion Notable Speech and superstar filly Blue Bolt.
Yoshito Yahagi
History was made at the Breeders’ Cup in 2025, as Yoshito Yahagi became the first Japanese trainer to saddle the winner of the Classic. He will be back to repeat that feat in 2026, as Forever Young will likely dominate the betting after making his seasonal reappearance on opening weekend at Belmont Park in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Yahagi has been no stranger to notable wins throughout his career, winning the 2020 Japanese Triple Crown with Contrail in 2020. First American victories would come in the Filly & Mare Turf and Distaff in 2021 with Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine, respectively.
Forever Young is his stable star, having also won the Saudi Cup in successive years in 2025 and 2026, as well as landing the 2025 Classic.
Joseph O’Brien
The O’Brien domination in Europe has continued in 2026 due to a stunning year for Aidan’s son, Joseph. Joseph O’Brien was a dominant force in the saddle before announcing his retirement to concentrate on training in 2016.
Since then, his domination has continued, achieving success over jumps and on the flat across the world. O’Brien’s first major win would come in 2017 saddling Melbourne Cup victor Rekindling. This year has been a memorable one for the trainer, winning the Irish Oaks, 1,000 Guineas, and St Leger. The latter was a historic feat, with Saffie Osborne becoming the first female rider to win a British Classic when aboard Highwayman.
O’Brien became one of few figures to train and ride a winner at the Breeders’ Cup in 2019 after Iridessa landed the Filly & Mare Turf. Based on his dominant record in 2026, further success could be expected this year. He will hold excellent claims in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf with Folsom Blues, while Thundering On and A Boy Named Susie could also be primed to challenge for international honors for the stable.