Two Challenge series winners went on to win their respective division at the Breeders ' Cup : Highland Reel and Classic Empire .
Forty - five entrants in the 2016 Breeders ' Cup qualified via the Challenge series .
Two Challenge series winners went on to win their respective division at the Breeders ' Cup : Highland Reel and Classic Empire .
Forty - five entrants in the 2016 Breeders ' Cup qualified via the Challenge series .