Horse racing might seem less popular than leading sports such as football, basketball, tennis, or NFL and that might be correct, but we’ll argue that none is more exciting. Horse racing has been around for centuries and its popularity never veined. Some of the biggest sports events in the world are tied to horse racing. When we start listing these events you will quickly see that you’ve heard of most of them if not all. So, without further ado, check out the biggest horse racing events in the world.
Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup doesn’t have the longevity of some of the other races on this list, but it aims to become one of the main events in this domain in the future. Horse breeding has a long tradition in the Arab world and no one can argue this. Because of their love for horses the good people from UAE created the Dubai World Cup back in 1996. What sets it apart from the rest of these races is the amount of money dispersed across the competition as that number stands at $12 million. More than 60 thousand people attend this event at Meydan Racecourse every year. As we said, it is not one of the older races, yet it attracts the best horses, top jockeys, and most experienced trainers in the world. Just like The Epsom Derby, this race is a Group 1 flat race that is 2,000 meters long and is raced on dirt. If you want to experience this event, leave at the end of March for your holidays and head straight to Dubai. You won’t regret it.
The Epsom Derby
Come to Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey to witness what a real horse racing event looks like. The Epsom Derby is one of the classic races England has to offer. It is open to all thoroughbreds three years and older both, colts and fillies, and is ranked as a Group 1 flat race. Its full distance stands at 2,423 meters and if we’re looking solely at the United Kingdom it is their most renowned race. It goes in this direction both regarding the prize and prestige. For all of you who want to visit it, view the races live, or simply engage in some sports betting online The Epsom Derby is traditionally held during the first week of June on Saturday. What you need to know is that it won’t be an easy task to attain tickets as they’re a sought-after commodity due to high interest. You know how prestigious this race is when it is frequented by the Royal Family.
Melbourne Cup
Now it’s time to move down to the Southern Hemisphere. Australia has its horses for the global race and it is called the Melbourne Cup. This horse racing event in the land down under is one of the biggest races of this kind in the world. You get the idea of this notion when you hear its nickname: “the race that stops a nation.” It is a handicap race that spreads on the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne and it’s 3200 meters long. If you want to participate you need to be cream of the crop in three categories: top horses, best jockeys, and high-end coaches. This race is an embodiment of horse competitions and it brims with electricity, atmosphere, and emotions. If you want to experience horse racing in its essence the Melbourne Cup is a race you need to visit. If you want the best betting experience, Stake is the place you need to visit.
The Kentucky Derby
Americans know a thing or two about tradition. After all, they have inherited some of the English customs. One of the traditions that every real American holds close to his heart is the annual horse race in Louisville, Kentucky. This tradition dates back to 1875 which makes it one of the more prestigious horse racing events in the world. It is seen as a pure reflection of Kentucky’s culture and tradition. In addition to Kentucky, the entire southern part of the United States is in love with horse racing. The first Saturday of May is traditionally reserved for this event and thousands of people flock from all over the world to witness it firsthand. We’re talking about a series of races reserved for three-year thoroughbreds. On the side of entertainment, it is seen as a festival of horse race betting, and betting on this race also has a deep tradition and is deeply rooted in American culture and subculture. If you have an opportunity to see the Kentucky Derby, do not miss it by any chance as this event is on par with the Super Bowl, Champions League Final, and any of the tennis Slams, and for some, it’s even close to the World Cup final in football.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
So far, we haven’t introduced one race from continental Europe. Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is precisely that, and it is the biggest event of this kind on European soil. Paris, France is the host of the Olympic Games at the moment of writing this article, but that’s the last of the Olympics you’ll see in Paris in the foreseeable future while you can attend the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe every year. This race is seen as one of the top events in this domain and its tradition dates back to 1920. The purse, at the moment, stands at 5 million Euros, which makes it quite an attractive outing for all jockeys and their horses. This 2,400-meter-long racetrack is a true inspiration for everyone involved in horse racing. It is a rare event of this kind that spreads the prizes among jockeys, horses, owners, and trainers alike.
Summary
There you have it. These are the top races in the world of horse racing. If you have a chance to view any of them, do not miss it. Entrance is worth every penny, and it is once in a lifetime experience without a doubt. For those who are in love with these noble animals and their competitions believe that the named events are close, if not better to the WC Final, Super Bowl, or CL Final and we tend to agree with them.