Horse racing is not a novelty. It is a tradition in many parts of the world. For some, it is seen as the ultimate competition. Horses, the noble animals, mounted by lightweight jockeys in a competition of pure speed, stamina, endurance, and prestige. You could say that there is something both poetic and godly in horses who are competing one against the other.
We, as a society, made a sport of one natural thing, and later on made a personal competition between ourselves, horses and jockeys, and betting outlets, in a simple game of who could guess the winner. Today, sports betting penetrated all imaginable sports, but interestingly, one of the first was horse racing. As we said, there was just something about horses, in their purity, worth betting money on which purebred is better.
If horses could understand us, they would probably approve sports betting on outlets such as Stake and similar platforms. After all, they’re the centerpieces of horse racing events that occur almost daily all over the world. While as sports fans and bettors, we could see all races as the same, they’re not. There is prestige to every horse race, we’re not going to argue that, but some historic racetracks are just different.
In this article, we are going to talk about the biggest horse races around the world and their significance in sports communities all over the globe. Let’s start with the biggest of them all.
American Horse Racing
Before we continue, let us just say that this is an unofficial list. It is opinionated by our staff. So, for us, the Kentucky Derby is the biggest horse race in the world. British folks shouldn’t be offended. After all, they both organized and popularized horse racing across the pond. There weren’t any races in the form we know today in North America before the British colonization of New Amsterdam in the late 17th century. Fast forward two centuries and there were 314 racetracks on US soil. This led to the formation of the American Jockey Club back in 1894.
Today, we can say that Americans are quite fond of horse racing and their races. So, it is no wonder that one of the biggest races in the world is located in the USA. We’re talking about the Kentucky Derby. If you’re a fan of horse racing and sports betting you must check out the horse racing betting odds for this racetrack when it’s on schedule. Just last year, this event was visited by more than 159 thousand people. Sports bettors laid down almost $300 million on bets. Now you understand the magnitude of this race from different viewpoints.
Dubai World Cup – United Arab Emirates
As you know, today the Arab world is one of the richest parts of the world. While their riches rely on high-octane products, they haven’t steered away from their tradition. Horse breeding has deep roots in the Middle East and the Dubai World Cup is a testimony to that. This is one of the horse races with the biggest prize pool in the world. It is estimated to be around $12 million on a yearly level. If you ever have a chance to visit Dubai, you need to check out the fabulous Meydan Racecourse even outside of the season.
Meydan Racecourse is one of the most modern stages for horse racing in the world and it is home to more than 60 thousand spectators when the Dubai World Cup is on. As tradition dictates this event occurs every year on the last Saturday of March. You’re too late to experience it this year, but book your stay for the next. You will not regret it. With the 2-mile length, this race is all about pure speed and endurance, making it one of the most thrilling events in the world of horse racing. To experience some of the best races and the combo of best horses and jockeys you must visit this event.
Epsom Derby – United Kingdom
Finally, we’re reaching the British crown jewel. Epsom Derby is what the United Kingdom is proud of when it comes to racetracks and horse racing. Also known as the Investec Derby, this event is on the calendar of every horse racing fan in the world. In the UK it is seen as a sports holiday. Its tradition is rooted deeply in English culture because this race has been continually held at this location since 1780. The length of this beauty is 2.4 km making it one of the more demanding tracks that puts a strain on both the horse and the raider.
Considering that this epic is held on the first Saturday of June, you’ve just missed it. But, worry not, it will be waiting for you next year as this race is home for both domestic and international winners. If you’re a fan of television, you’ve probably heard of Peaky Blinders. This TV show has an entire episode dedicated to the Epsom Derby signaling its legendary status even among the modern crowd.
The Royal Ascot
We’re still in England, as they have more than a few of these events. The Royal Ascot is another massive event and we can’t even say that it plays second fiddle to the Epsom Derby. They’re almost standing head-to-head. Since 1711 this event has been home to 16 group races. The title Royal comes from the fact that members of the Royal Family are mandatory visitors at this racetrack. So, it’s no wonder that this horse race has a dress code as a part of the norm.
Of course, the best seats are reserved for the members of the Royal Family and the British establishments. But if you get a hold of fine tickets you must dress properly. Even the worst seats will allow you to be there for traditional shows such as the Military Bands and the Royal Procession. The title Royal in Ascot is well and truly deserved.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
If we count out the United Kingdom, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the best and the biggest horse race in Europe. After all, the French do know a few things about horse racing. The horse racing season in France is a long one, and it culminates with the events held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. This international event is older than one century with the first edition being held in 1920. The purse is a little behind Dubai, but it still offers plenty to fight for with a $5 million purse.
The racetrack, intended for thoroughbreds older than three years, is 2.4 kilometers long. What makes it so interesting and competitive is that the prizes are shared equally among trainers, jockeys, and owners alike which is not so common in many other races. The most famous horse that won this race must be the famed Sea Bird II who managed to accomplish this feat in 1965. If you want to witness the history written again you must pay a visit to Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France at least once.
Melbourne Cup – Australia
While only entering our list at position number six, do not let the ranking fool you. Melbourne Cup in Australia can stand toe-to-toe with almost any racetrack on this list. After all, this famous race holds the nickname: ” The Race that Stops a Nation.” Australia is a horse racing nation and this event is the star of its calendar. Due to being held in another part of the world, its schedule is not something that Europe is used to. The first Saturday of November is reserved for the Melbourne Cup.
This event is hosted at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse and it truly is a marvel of horse racing. As we already said, do not let the position on our list fool you. Australia has a long tradition of horse racing and this race is proof of that. Also, you could argue that this racetrack is more popular than many others from this list and you wouldn’t be wrong. The prize purse of $8 million is a testament to how grandiose the Melbourne Cup is. Also, the racecourse is 3.2 km long making it one of the longest on this list. For horses and jockeys participating in the competition in the Land Down Under this is the premium test of both speed and stamina.
If you find yourself in Australia during November, you must do your best to get your grasp on the tickets. Dressing up for the occasion and putting forth a few casual bets is what everyone is expecting from you. But, don’t forget to put a few bucks on the side for charity causes that are put forward during the Melbourne Cup making it one of the more charitable events on this list.
Hong Kong Horse Racing
Considering that Hong Kong was a British Colony it’s no wonder that they are in love with horse racing. The Brits brought this noble sport far east back in 1845 and it stuck to the locals like glue. Happy Valley is the first-ever racecourse in HK. A few dozen decades later this sport is well ingrained in the culture of Hong Kong. Due to the different culture in this region, when you attend a horse racing event in Hong Kong it is like you’re visiting a carnival.
This shouldn’t come as any surprise considering that horse racing is the most popular sport in Hong Kong. Back in the 2018/2019 season, Hong Kong was breaking records when it came to both visitors and bets made. When you combine their two biggest racecourses, Happy Valley and Sha Tin the attendance was little over 2 million. When it comes to betting, people spend nearly $15 billion.
If you’re looking for the most popular horse racing event in Hong Kong look no further than The Hong Kong Cup. This is one of the most expensive turf races with its purse being a bit over $4 million. Who would have thought that Hong Kong has so much to offer in the domain of horse racing? Now you know that it has.
Japan Cup
That’s right, Japan has a horse for this race too. This pun was intended, but joking aside, the horse racing culture in Japan is quite strong. Their biggest racing turf is called Tokyo Racecourse. If you’re traveling this part of the world, you can make your trip from Australia to Japan worthwhile. The Japan Cup is held on the last Saturday of November. Due to its purse being worth north of $5 million, it is a home to the horse racing eyes of the world during this period. While this race is not the cream of the crop in terms of tradition it is still well revered on the shores of Japan.
The Japanese are very prideful and their hard work started paying off with wins they’ve been racking up at events such as the Dubai World Cup and Breeders’ Cup. With more wins, this sport became even more popular than it was before in the Land of The Rising Sun.
Conclusion
While there are more popular horse racing events all over the world we decided to present to you only one by country. If you want to dig deeper and find even more you’re free to do it. Just some that are worth your attention include the Pegasus World Cup, Saudi Cup, Nakayama Grand Jump, The Everest, and Breeders’ Cup Classic among many others.
Horse racing is a genuinely fun and noble sport that can be made even more fun by placing a few casual bets on the winners. Even if you fail to win anything the thrill of the race itself should be enough to keep the adrenaline spike high. Don’t take our word for it, try it out.
Who doesn’t enjoy a day at the races?
Betting on horse races is an engagement filled with quick decisions because of how fast the horses are going in the race, which involves some unique strategy to reassure you are going in the right direction when making wagers. The overall skill, experience, and relationship between a jockey and their horse as well as how trainers prepare the jockey and horse for the race are essential to how bettors should place their wagers for 
Gambling makes normally rational people act irrationally. It’s as though their brain turned from grey matter into strawberry jelly. For some, deep inside their skull is a Bird’s trifle, the type your mum made for you as a child. A layer of jelly with sponge fingers, custard, perhaps with bananas, and dream topping sprinkled with hundreds and thousands. As the irrational punter reads the Racing Post, there head lurching left to right as they scan every column inch, the trifle slips and slides like sludge.