Biggest Horse Racing Events Across The World

They're off - the start of the Grand National

Horse Racing Events are arguably considered  the biggest betting portals across the world, with multi-millionaires from numerous countries taking a keen interest in the sport.

Many renowned horse races are gala events, attended by numerous A-list celebrities from different professions and industries. Horse races prove to be major gambling events from all over the world.

Such is the popularity and allure of horse racing that even an Islamic city like Dubai hosts one of the biggest events despite betting and gambling being forbidden in the Islamic culture.

This phenomenon is the courtesy of the rich Arabs that love the sport as well as the potential chance to gamble.

But with so many racing events taking place, which are the ones to look out for? Well, fret not because here is a definitive list of the most prestigious horse racing events across the world:

The Preakness Stakes:

Preakness Stakes is a horse racing event that takes place annually on the third Saturday of May following the Kentucky Derby. The event takes place in Baltimore, Maryland. The winner of the race is awarded a thick blanket of yellow flowers arranged to represent the state of Maryland.

The race is about 1.2 miles long and typically ends in about two minutes. Horses aged three and above can participate in the race and this event is the second most attended event after the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby:

 Kentucky Derby is one of the most awaited racing events with millionaires and celebrities looking forward to attending the event. The event takes place in Louisville, Kentucky and was started back in the year 1875.

The winner of the race gets a prize of two million dollars. Many people travel from afar to become a part of the event. The winner of the race is draped in a garland made of roses.

2015 winner of the Kentucky Derby - American Pharoah

Nakayama Grand Jump

Nakayama Grand Jump is the most prestigious racing event that takes place in Japan. The race commences in Mid April in Nakayama, Funabashi. The race has one of the most difficult race tracks with sharp turns, twisted paths, and quite a number of jumps.

It tests the racing ability of both the horses and the racers. Horses should be aged above four years to qualify for this event.

Paris Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe:

Considered as one of the most lavish racing events of the world the Paris Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or the arc is held annually on the first Sunday of October at the Longchamp racecourse in Paris.

The winner gets a hefty prize of 5.4 million dollars. The event is known for its extravagance with free champagne and live jazz music.

Grand National - Biggest Horse Racing Event Worldwide

The Grand National is a racing event that just can’t be missed. Held either on the first or second Saturday of April the event takes place in Aintree, Liverpool.

Tony McCoy aboard Don't Push It wins the Grand National

The event dates back to 1839. It has one of the toughest tracks with 30 different fences to jump across the 4 miles and 514 yard course.

The event is attended by many big names in racing including top owners and trainers from Ireland and the UK. 

The most famous Grand National winner is Red Rum, trained by Ginger McCain, who won the race in 1973, 1974, 1977 and was runner up in 1975 and 1976. 

The horse was bought as a yearling for 400 guineas and having passed through various yards was purchased by Ginger McCain on behalf of Noel Le Mare.

The trainer noticed that his charge suffered from lameness and knew that if he galloped him in sea water there was a chance of a cure.

This proved to be the case and as they say, the rest is history.

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