Prestigious Horse Racing Events Around the World
Horse racing has always been a popular event to watch and enjoy. It’s even better to enjoy it when you place a bet and choose a variety of race events. If you’re a bit stuck on where to get started then we have the list for you.
We’ve looked at all the biggest horse racing events around the world so you can mark them up on your calendar.
Horse Racing Events Around the World
1. Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby was first raced back in 1875 and would have won you a pretty penny at that time. Since then though, the prize has risen considerably to $3 million which is why it’s called the fastest two minutes in sports. It’s also known as the “Run for the Roses” and it’s the most highly anticipated race in the US.
Hundreds of thousands of people, alongside some famous celebrities, make their way to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May to see the legendary first leg of the Triple Crown.
Some of the biggest names in horse racing have raced and won this race including Secretariat and American Pharoah. There’s no bigger honor than getting into that winner’s circle.
2. Ascot
Ascot is one of, if not, the most prestigious race in the UK. Its prize might seem like a measly sum in comparison to most at only $495,231, but it’s the title that means everything.
It was started way back in 1807 and has always been visited by the British royal family. As an owner and breeder of Thoroughbred horses, the Queen herself has actually won a few titles at Royal Ascot, including the 2013 Gold Cup with Irish-bred filly Estimate.
The Gold Cup is considered the best race and this is run over a distance of 4,014 meters (about 2 miles and four furlongs). It is held on Ladies’ Day during the course of the race and this is the third day of the four-day Royal Ascot.
3. Dubai World Cup
A more recent race that was started only back in 1996 is the Dubai World Cup. Even though it’s younger, the prize is a lot more than any of the other races, standing at a huge $12 million which makes it a must for all horse racers.
One part of the Dubai World Cup Night of races, the Dubai World Cup is a Group 1 flat race. This is on dirt and it is only for Northern Hemisphere Thoroughbreds age four and up, and Southern Hemisphere Thoroughbreds age three and up. All of these horses run at a distance of 2,000 meters, or about 10 furlongs.
4. Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe
Named after the World War I monument the Arc de Triomphe, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the richest horse race in Europe and the fifth richest race in the world on turf, behind three Australian races and one in Dubai with a winning rate of $5.5 million.
The race is comprised of 2,400-meter Group 1 weight-for-age flat race but is only open to three-year-olds and up, with the best horses from the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and the rest of the globe competing for the top prize of €2,857,000, which equates to than $3.1 million.
5. Melbourne Cup
The most famous Thoroughbred race in Australia is the annual Melbourne Cup. The event is just one part of the four-day Melbourne Cup. This event is so prestigious that it even warrants a public holiday so that everyone can enjoy the race day!
It has one of the biggest prizes of a whopping $6 million which makes it very popular!
6. Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby is a Group 1 flat race for three-year-old colts and fillies run at 2,420 meters (about 1 mile, four furlongs) at historic Epsom Downs. It has been held here since 1780 making it one of the oldest races in the world.
Just like Ascot, it has its royal origins as it was created out of a gathering between Sir Charles Bunbury and Edward Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby.
The Kentucky Derby that we mentioned earlier has been named after the Epsom Derby, one of the most prestigious of the five British Classic races. Again, the prize is less than most at around $1.4 million but the title is priceless.
7. The Everest
The world’s richest race on turf is the Everest with a prize of around $11 million. This makes it one of the most sought after racing titles in the world as it carries its weight in gold.
This is one of the only horse races that requires an entry fee – potentially because of its hefty prize at the end. It is one of the biggest events in the Australian calendar and that prize is not to be missed!
What horse racing events have you got marked in your calendar?
