Horse racing is at its heart a performance sport. A spectacle that appeals not only to horse lovers, but attractive to business types, sports bettors, and spectators who simply love a good show. When you take into account the total number of bets placed on a specific race, the media coverage it attracts, its history and worldwide significance, along with the total prize purse for the owners and trainers, there are 5 horse races around the world that come out ahead of the pack. Here’s a glimpse of the top 5 horse races around the world !
The Kentucky Derby
On the first Saturday every May since 1875, the leading leg of America’s Triple Crown kicks off in Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky. The purse prize may only be a mere $2 million, but the Kentucky Derby draws the biggest annual gambling crowd–and celebrity sightings–in the world of horse racing. Arguably the most famous horse race, the 1.25 mile race is know as the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports.”
The Dubai World Cup
What it lacks in history, the Dubai World Cup more than makes up for in purse size. The $10 million prize pool is awarded to the winning horse on the last Saturday in March, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Open to Northern Hemisphere thoroughbreds 4+ and Southern Hemisphere thoroughbreds 3+, the 1.25 mile race is held on the dirt Meydan Racecourse.
Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe
Since 1920, the 1.5 mile race has been Europe’s most distinguished horse racing event. Held the first Sunday of October at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France, the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe is open to three-year-olds and over for a $5.5 million prize purse.
Breeders’ Cup Classic
The Breeders’ Cup Classic splashed onto the circuit as America’s richest horse race in 1984. The $5 million purse is awarded the winner ever fall at the event held at various tracks around the United States. Toronto, Canada hosted the race once in 1996.
Epsom Derby
The oldest horse race is also the most prestigious flat horse racing event in Britain. Held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey, England, the Epsom Derby even attracts the likes of the Royal Family to watch every June as the middle leg of England’s Triple Crown. The grass dash is one mile, four furlongs, and 10-yards long, open to thoroughbred colts and fillies 3+.
Have you been lucky enough to visit any of these race courses, or even better, attended any of the races? Let us know on our Facebook page, we’d love to hear your stories!