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There are few more globally popular sports than horse racing, with fans of the sport able to build their travel plans around seeing one of the world’s best racecourses.
The sport has roots in some of the most scenic countries on the planet, meaning that for passionate fans, a bucket list of dream locations to see at least once during their life is assembled.
For the lifelong fans of the sport, there is a deep rooted love of all things surrounding the sport, whether it be the love of the horse or the passion for gambling.
Betting on the sport is exceptionally popular, and you can find out more about the markets available here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/.
But, what are some of the best horse racing tracks to visit across the world?
Churchill Downs
There are few more iconic horse racing venues on the planet than the course that hosts the USA’s most-watched event- Churchill Downs. The track in Louisville, Kentucky, has welcomed racing fans since 1875, with a huge attendance of 170,000 able to pack through the gates to see the biggest events in the diary.
The track is most famous for hosting the opening leg of the Triple Crown, with the Kentucky Derby taking place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
However, Churchill Downs has also had the honour of hosting the Breeders’ Cup on a record nine occasions, including most recently in 2018 when Accelerate won the Classic for trainer John Sadler.
Saratoga
Perhaps the most historic venue in North America for horse racing can be found at Saratoga Springs, New York. Saratoga Race Course is considered to be the oldest major sporting venue in the United States, but it is actually the fourth oldest racecourse.
A trip to Saratoga is like going back in time, and there are more chances than ever to visit in this modern day, with the previous four-day meet now extended to 40 days. A number of significant races on the U.S. schedule are held annually at the Spa, and it has held the previous two editions of the Belmont Stakes due to construction work being completed at the neighbouring track.
Saratoga’s most famous race on the calendar is the Travers Stakes, which is also known as the Midsummer Derby. Throughout history there have been some legendary renewals of the race, including in 2015 when Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was shockingly beaten by Keen Ice.
Ascot
Ascot Racecourse is the most illustrious location for horse racing action in the world, with millions of international visitors passing through the gates at the Berkshire course annually. Located just 25 miles west of London, racing action is staged throughout the year at Ascot, with a staggering 13 of the 36 Group One flat races in the UK held at the track.
However, the racecourse is most famous for hosting the world’s iconic events- Royal Ascot. The event was introduced as a four-day meeting in 1768, and up until 1939 it was the only race days at the course. The five-day meet gets underway daily with the Royal Precession, which sees members of the Royal Family arrive at the course. This tradition dates back to 1825.
Nowadays, it is Britain’s most lucrative meeting of the season, with just under £8 million in prize money being on offer. Internationally, it is also a massive hit, with the action at Royal Ascot broadcast in over 200 territories across the planet.
Cheltenham
While Ascot has a global appeal, the most popular races of the season across the United Kingdom and Ireland are staged at the scenic Cheltenham Racecourse.
The home of jumps racing is located in a natural amphitheatre, in between the Cotswolds Hills. Massive fan attendance is always expected at Cheltenham, with over 67,000 fans passing through the gates for the world-renowned Cheltenham Festival.
The four-day meeting attracts runners and trainers from across the Irish Sea. The oldest race at the meet dates back to the first running of the Grand Annual Chase in 1834. In its modern format, each of the four days features a Championship race, with the blue-riband contest coming in the form of the Gold Cup, which is run over 3 ¼ miles.
Flemington
Racing fans looking to venture further afield should pay a trip to Flemington Racecourse, which is located within striking distance of Melbourne.
The Australian racetrack is most famous for hosting the Melbourne Cup, which is known as the ‘Race that Stops a Nation’. Flemington opened its doors for the first time in 1840, and it is able to accommodate 140,000 fans.
Aside from the feature on the calendar, the track also hosts 14 Group One races throughout the season. Its significance to the country was marked in November 2006 after it was added to the Australian National Heritage List, and it is a must-visit for all fans of the sport.
Meydan
Meydan has quickly become one of the world-leading racecourses in the world, despite only opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2010. It is a must-visit for racing fans of all ages, with high-quality racing taking place on track and a state-of-the-art museum highlighting the historic feats of horses throughout history.
History was made at Meydan in February when Saffie Osborne became the first female rider to win a race at the track. The major event on the calendar is Dubai World Cup Night, which features the Group One race with the same name. This race is one of the richest on the international calendar, with a staggering purse of $12 million available. Some of the world’s best horses have won the race since its introduction in 1996, including Cigar, Dubai Millennium, and Curlin.
Aside from racing, it has also been a cultural hub of events. Star Trek Beyond was filmed at Meydan Racecourse, while it has also played host to a number of legendary musical acts, including Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Kylie Minogue. Its status as one of the leading tracks in the world makes it a must-visit for fans of the sport.
