Horse Racing has been a hugely popular sport with the modern horse racing events regarded to have started back in the 18th century.
It continues to draw crowds around the world with many people going for the horse racing betting opportunities as well as the exciting events which happen on race days.
You will find large crowds at some of the biggest events all over the world, with the sport spanning cultures and languages.
There is a wide selection form relaxed and informal low-key races to the extravagant events with specific dress codes and large jackpots for racers as well as punters.
Some of the best places to experience horse racing in all its exhilarating action includes:
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Kentucky Derby
On the first Saturday of May every year, the traditional and prestigious event takes place at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
It has been running for over 200 years and is full of tradition from the signing to “My Old Kentucky Home”. Women wear their most elegant and clothing with elaborate and eye-catching hats designed specifically for the event. Don’t forget to try a mint julep!
The one and a quarter mile race is on a dirt track and the prize purse is an eye-watering $3 million.
More people in America watch this race than any other, and thousands of people fill the stands and ground each year desperate to take in all the entertainment.
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Dubai World Cup
This is the most lucrative race in the calendar for owners and jockeys, with a prize purse of around $12 million on offer.
Hosted in the United Arab Emirates, the incredible facility allows more than 60,000 people to attend. Hosted towards the end of March each year, the two-kilometre race may be a little short, but it is full of excitement from start to finish.
Guests come from around the world to experience the event with the swanky Meydan Hotel a great place to stay while enjoying the racing.
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Royal Ascot
In Berkshire, England, Royal Ascot is a week-long event with 16 group races which has been running since 1711.
The Queen used to regularly attend along with her family which ensures the crowds are dressed in their finest and most elegant outfits making it a really enjoyable experience. There are strict rules on dress codes, which can vary depending on where you are seated.
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Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The event in Paris, France is one of Europe’s biggest and most exciting horse racing events.
Enjoy the beauty of Autumnal Paris with this event taking place early October on the banks of the Seine River.
Its affiliation with Qatar provides another particularly large prize purse for the owners to compete for.
Attendees can enjoy delicious champagne and the sounds of live jazz music around the racing action to make this event one to truly savour.
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Melbourne Cup
On the land-down-under the Melbourne Cup is one of the greatest 3,200-meter horse races in the world.
Dating back to 1861, the race is full of lively tradition amongst a strong international presence with those in attendance enjoying a carnival like experience.
Competitions are run for the best-dressed male and female guests with celebrity judges. This event caps off a number of races run throughout the week which are open to people through general admission as well as with grandstand tickets.
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Breeders’ Cup World Championships
Keep your eyes peeled as the location of this event changes each year.
This annual series of thoroughbred horse races take place on over two days and owners compete for the chance to win some of a combined jackpot of over $20 million.
Moving around the United States including the Monmouth Park in New Jersey or Santa Anita Park in California, this event is often referred to as the richest two days in sports.
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Nakayama Grand Jump
This annual steeplechase event takes place in Funabashi, Japan with thousands of Japanese horse racing fans flooding into the stands to watch.
Nakayama course is a curved dirt and turf track with jumps throughout which has been running since 1999.
It is still building its reputation across world horse racing, but one to get out and see now as it continues to grow in popularity.
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The Grand National
Back in England, The Grand National is one of the most bet on races in the world.
The four-mile course which is the home to 30 large fences which the horses and jockeys must battle through to be proud to just finish the race, let alone win it.
A National Hunt race event which is spread across three days of events for spectators to enjoy the action is one to check off the bucket list.
Take a seat in their grandstand or watch the horses cross the line from the all-inclusive restaurant. Either way, you’ll be able to see if you’re a winner from two different, yet equally enjoyable experiences.
