A Global Gallop: The Top 10 Biggest Horse Races Around the World

Horse racing, with its heart-pounding suspense, high-flying gallops, and the thunderous applause of excited spectators, is a global spectacle that draws millions to its fold. From the rolling hills of England to the sun-kissed tracks of Australia, this sport has etched its mark in the annals of history, captivating hearts and minds alike. But beyond the sheer adrenaline and the romantic allure of the races, lies the intriguing world of horse racing odds. These odds are more than mere numbers; they are a gateway into a thrilling game of prediction, strategy, and fortune. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a novice enthusiast, the thrill of placing bets on your favorite stallion, analyzing form and pedigree, and then watching the contest unfold is an experience like no other. In this article, “A Global Gallop: The Top 10 Biggest Horse Races Around the World,” we will journey through some of the most prestigious events in the world of horse racing. From Epsom Derby electrifying sprints to Saudi Cup grueling endurance tests, and The Everest storied traditions, these races are not just events, but spectacles that define the very essence of this sport. So saddle up, fellow enthusiasts, as we embark on this global gallop and explore the exhilarating world of horse racing.

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby, with its roots dating back to 1780, is not just a horse race; it’s an embodiment of British heritage and sporting grandeur. With a prize purse that marks it as Britain’s richest flat race, the Epsom Derby commands a stature unparalleled in the world of horse racing. Over more than 240 years, the race has evolved from a local contest into a global spectacle. The race is open only to three-year-old thoroughbreds, a criterion that adds to the challenge and prestige of the event. As one of the five “Classics” and a crucial part of the esteemed English Triple Crown, the Epsom Derby holds a special place in the annals of horse racing history. Yet, the allure of the Derby extends beyond the racetrack. The event draws an audience of thousands, from aristocrats to everyday enthusiasts, reflecting the diverse appeal of this historic race. The Epsom Derby is also known for its royal patronage, with the British Royal Family often seen among the spectators. In essence, the Epsom Derby is more than just a race; it is a celebration of tradition, competition, and the enduring spirit of horse racing.

Saudi Cup

Located at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the race, which spans a distance of 1,800m (approximately 1.1 miles) on a dirt track, boasts a staggering prize purse of $20 million, making it the richest horse race in the world. This grand event offers not just glory but also a remarkable $10 million to the winning jockey, an amount that underscores the immense prestige of the event. Moreover, the top three finishers of the Pegasus World Cup are awarded automatic bids to participate in the Saudi Cup, with all travel, accommodation, and horse-related expenses being generously covered by the Saudi Arabian government. This illustrious race had its inaugural run in February 2020, where Maximum Security, ridden by jockey Luis Saez, emerged victorious. Despite the relative newness of the event, it has quickly climbed the ranks to become a must-see in the international horse racing calendar, holding spectators in suspense as they await the next champion.

The Everest

Everest, held at the Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia, is a relatively recent inception in 2017, it has quickly attracted international attention due to its massive prize purse of $14 million. The race, which is run on a turf surface over a distance of 1,200m (approximately three-quarters of a mile), was the richest on Earth until the announcement of the Saudi Cup. While it currently lacks Group/Grade 1 status, it is expected to be granted this distinction in the future. The Everest is a weight-for-age sprint contest open to any thoroughbred racehorse, provided their owner is willing to pay the hefty $600,000 entry fee. With only 12 slots available for purchase, competition is fierce. The inaugural winner of The Everest, Redzel, defied age norms by winning the first two editions of the race, solidifying its reputation as a sprint where anything can happen.

Melbourne Cup

Held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, this race runs on a turf surface over a grueling distance of 3,200m (about 2 miles) and offers a prize purse of $5.3 million. The Melbourne Cup is a handicap race for three-year-olds and upwards, with weights determined by the Victoria Racing Club, thereby testing the stamina of the participating thoroughbred racehorses. Since its inception in 1861, the race has attracted horses from around the globe, making it a truly international competition. Notably, Cross Counter became the first British-trained horse to win the race in 2018, a quarter-century after Vintage Crop became the first Irish-trained victor. However, the most remarkable feat in the race’s history belongs to Makybe Diva, who remains the only three-time winner of the Melbourne Cup, with consecutive victories in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

Grand National

The Grand National, held at Aintree in Merseyside, England, runs on a turf surface over an arduous distance of 7,242m (about 4.5 miles), the race offers a prize purse of £750,000. This historic event saw a record 66 horses participate in 1929, while the smallest turnout was in 1883 when only 10 horses took part. The slowest recorded time in this prestigious competition was during its inaugural race in 1839 when a horse named Lottery took close to 15 minutes to claim victory. The Grand National continues to captivate audiences, with nearly 10 million people tuning in to watch the race in 2019, six years after it was first televised on Channel 4. Despite its long history, the race continues to be a major event in the annual sporting calendar, drawing spectators and participants from around the globe.

Sheema Classic

The Sheema Classic, held at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is one of the most prestigious horse races in the Middle East. Run on a turf surface over a distance of 2,400m (about 1.5 miles), the race offers an impressive prize purse of $6 million. This esteemed event, beloved by Sheikhs and Princes throughout the region, was first contested in 1998 and has since become a major fixture in global horse racing. The eligibility for entries into the Sheema Classic varies depending on the origin of the horse; Southern Hemisphere thoroughbreds can be aged three and up, while the race is open only to Northern Hemisphere four-year-olds and upwards. The grandstand at the Meydan Racecourse, which seats over 80,000 spectators, provides a magnificent backdrop to this high-stakes competition. Additionally, the Dubai Turf, a 1,800m race held at the same meeting, deserves mention for its similarly substantial prize money.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

The Breeders’ Cup Classic, a unique event in the global horse racing calendar, is held at a different North American venue each year and offers a prize purse of $6 million. Run on a dirt surface over a distance of 2,000m (about 1.25 miles), the Breeders’ Cup Classic has become one of the most renowned horse races since its inception in 1984. The two-day meeting includes a series of qualifying “win and you’re in” races held globally for various Breeders’ Cup events. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a weight-for-age race open to three-year-olds and up, with Tiznow being the only double winner of this prestigious race. Aside from the Classic, the Breeders’ Cup meeting also features other notable races, including the highly-valued Breeders’ Cup Turf. This combination of diverse events and international competition makes the Breeders’ Cup a highlight in the horse racing season.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, held at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France, is arguably Europe’s most famous horse race, takes place on a turf surface and spans a distance of 2,400m (around 1.5 miles). It boasts a significant prize fund of $5,600,000. The Arc, as it is popularly known, boasts almost a century of history since its inaugural run in 1920. This weight-for-age race is open to three-year-olds and up, although geldings are not allowed to enter. Fillies and mares have a particularly impressive recent record in the Arc. As of 2018, eight horses are dual winners of this prestigious race. Interestingly, the Arc wasn’t held in 1939 and 1940 due to World War 2, and the 1943 and 1944 races were moved to Le Tremblay. Additionally, when Longchamp closed for redevelopment, the Chantilly Racecourse took over hosting duties in 2016 and 2017. The Arc continues to be a highlight in the European horse racing calendar.

Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup, held at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the most valuable race on World Cup night. This weight-for-age race, run on a dirt surface over a distance of 2,000m (about 1.25 miles), offers an impressive prize purse of $12,000,000. The race is open to Southern Hemisphere three-year-olds and up, as well as Northern Hemisphere thoroughbreds that are at least four years old. It shares the race card with the renowned Sheema Classic. Thunder Snow made history by becoming the only dual winner of the Dubai World Cup in 2019. Since its inaugural race in 1996, horses trained in the UAE, UK, USA, France, and Japan have graced its honor roll, demonstrating the international appeal and prestige of the Dubai World Cup.

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby, held at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, may not be the most valuable race on our list with a prize purse of $3,000,000, but it is arguably one of the most famous horse races worldwide. Known as the “run for the roses” due to the tradition of draping winners in a blanket of roses, it’s often touted as the most exciting or fastest two minutes in sports. As the inaugural event of the American Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby has a rich history dating back to its first run in 1875. This race is exclusively for three-year-olds and is considered the US equivalent of the Epsom Derby. Secretariat holds the record as the fastest horse in Kentucky Derby history and is one of only two horses to clinch victory in under two minutes. In 2015 alone, American bettors wagered an estimated $133,000,000 on this race, underscoring the Kentucky Derby’s status as the biggest horse race on Earth!