Horse of a different color: Breeders’ Cup ditching purple saddle cloths to ease viewing

Breeders’ Cup replacing purple saddle cloths

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Breeders’ Cup is ditching the purple saddle cloths used to identify horses.

Officials said Tuesday they’ll now use different colors to make viewing easier for fans during races. This year’s showcase event will be at Santa Anita on Nov. 6-7.

The purple saddle cloths had been used during the Breeders’ Cup’s first 25 years. Officials say they made the switch after consulting with a fan advisory council and bettors across the U.S. and Canada.

Colored saddle cloths with numbers are commonly used at North American tracks. Sixteen colored cloths will be used at the Breeders’ Cup, and sponsors of specific races will still have their logos on them.