Long before the emergence of basketball, football, and volleyball, horse racing was the ultimate pastime of sports enthusiasts. It started as a leisure activity and became a huge public entertainment business. Horse racing associations, clubs, or government entities conduct tournaments worldwide to attract audiences, encourage betting activities, and gain profit.
Every year, punters await for different horse racing events to experience the thrill of competition and financial gains. They also participate to develop their betting skills and interact with other professional gamblers. These tournaments are effective platforms not only to earn significant money but to improve one’s network and gambling experience.
If you plan to partake in horse race betting, here is the list of the biggest horse racing events in history:
Epsom Derby
Event Date: First Saturday of June
Venue: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey, England
Track Type: Turf
Race Length: 2,400 m
Prize: approximately $2,000,000 (USD)
The Epsom Derby is one of the world’s most profitable horse racing events. This Group 1 flat horse race competition is open for three-year-old colts and fillies. Like other famous racing events, it has a multiday festival featuring live musical performances apart from the race itself.
Saudi Cup
Event Date: Last Weekend of February
Venue: King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Track Type: Dirt
Race Length: 1,800 m
Prize: $20,000,000 (USD)
The Saudi Cup is the most expensive tournament in history. With its significant prize pool, this tournament has captivated the attention of international and local audiences. More fans are coming each year to cheer and bet for their favourite horses, trying their luck to win significant money.
The Everest
Event Date: Second/Third Saturday of October
Venue: Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, Australia
Track Type: Turf
Race Length: 1,200 m
Prize: $14,000,000 (USD)
The first season of The Everest took place in 2017. Since then, it has gained popularity within the horse racing community. A group or individual bought each of its 12 starting positions for $600,000, making it a “slot-holder race.” These slot-holders can choose a horse to compete in their spot and win the largest share of the prize pool.
Melbourne Cup
Event Date: First Tuesday of November
Venue: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Australia
Track Type: Turf
Race Length: 3,200 m
Prize: $5,300,000 (USD)
The Melbourne Cup’s history stretches back to its first running in 1861. Over the years, it has become a testament to the enduring spirit of horse racing. This event celebrates international camaraderie and the long history of horse racing in Australia. Many jockeys, trainers, and horses worldwide come to vie for victory in this race event.
The Melbourne Cup is not an ordinary horse race but a challenging test of a thoroughbred racehorse’s stamina. Among the contenders of the Melbourne Cup, Makybe Diva is the only three-time champion with consecutive triumphs in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Grand National
Event Date: Second Thursday and Friday of April
Venue: Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside, England
Track Type: Turf
Race Length: 7,242 m
Prize: £750,000 (GBP)
The Grand National is known for its challenging course, making it one of the world’s most iconic and watched horse races. Some of its obstacles include:
Becher’s Brook
This obstacle refers to a log fence jumped twice during the race event, and is known for its steep drop on the landing slide.
The Chair
This fence is the tallest and broadest on the course and often the most intimidating.
Canal Turn
After jumping Becher’s Brook, horses need to make a sharp left turn to negotiate the Canal Turn fence, which can be tricky because of its angle.
Valentine’s Brook
This obstacle is named after a horse named Valentine, who jumped the fence sideways during the 1840 Grand National. Valentine’s Brook is less daunting than Becher’s Brook, but still a challenging part of the race. Horses must clear the 1.52 m fence and safely overcome the 1.68 m ditch.
Sheema Classic
Event Date: Last Saturday of March
Venue: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Track Type: Turf
Race Length: 2,400 m
Prize: $6,000,000 (USD)
Sheema Classic is part of the Dubai World Cup Night, usually held annually at Meydan Racecourse. It is a Group 1 race tournament—the highest category in horse racing. This event showcases some of the best horse racing talent, giving fans memorable racing to watch.
Furthermore, the Sheema Classic is open to thoroughbred horses aged three and up in Southern Hemisphere and four and older in the Northern Hemisphere. It offers significant prizes and bonuses, making it one of history’s most lucrative turf races.
Breeder’s Cup Classic
Event Date: First Saturday of November
Venue: No Fixed Location
Track Type: Dirt
Race Length: 2,000 m
Prize: $6,000,000 (USD)
The Breeder’s Cup is the last horse racing event of the year. Horses and jockeys will compete in 14 races over two days to get the title. Unlike other competitions, the Breeder’s Cup usually changes its location per season. Still, it attracts significant attention from horse racing enthusiasts because of its high stakes and thrilling experience.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Event Date: First Sunday of October
Venue: Longchamp Racecourse, France
Track Type: Turf
Race Length: 2,400 m
Prize: $5,600,000 (USD)
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is Europe’s most famous horse race. It symbolizes endurance and sporting excellence, tracing its roots back to its inaugural running in 1920.
This race is open for thoroughbred horses aged three years and above. However, there is one notable exception: geldings are not allowed to participate in this race to showcase French thoroughbred breeding. These are male horses that have undergone castration. It is usually performed to modify the horse’s behaviour and make them more manageable, especially during the race.
Kentucky Derby
Event Date: First Saturday of May
Venue: Churchill Downs Racetrack, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Track Type: Dirt
Race Length: 2,000 m
Prize: $3,000,000 (USD)
The Kentucky Derby has been a favourite pastime of horse racing enthusiasts. In fact, Queen Elizabeth attended this race, making it one of the most popular racing events. Among other competitions, Kentucky Derby has demonstrated an elite standard of racing while recognising the rich history of horse racers.
Conclusion
As a punter, part of your gambling journey is to engage in different horse racing competitions. These tournaments can help you become more skilled and knowledgeable when placing Singapore Pools horse racing bets, allowing you to maximise potential winnings. You can watch most of these tournaments online and place your wagers on your preferred betting site.
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