The 5 Most Famous Horse Races

Horse racing is really simple and cool: there are horses, riders, a track, and they race to see who wins. It’s been around for a super long time, like since the ancient Greeks! The rules haven’t changed much since then. People have always loved watching horse races, from way back in ancient times to now.

We’ve heard about horse races happening in the original Olympic Games in Greece, which was more than 2,000 years ago! They were also popular in places like the Roman Empire and England during medieval times. But what are the most awesome horse races happening today? While we’re not the experts, we’ve got some ideas for the top five races. And for those who like to add some excitement to the races, 1xBet India sport betting adds an extra layer of thrill and anticipation to the event.

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is one of the oldest horse races, starting back in 1780 in England. It’s super famous and important, known simply as ‘the Derby’. The prize money is a big $2 million!

Lots of important people, including members of the Royal Family, go to watch the race. Even if you can’t be there in person, many people in Britain watch it on TV or online.

The Derby happens on the first Saturday of June every year. It’s part of the Triple Crown, which includes two other big races. The horses in the Derby are 3 years old, and they race over a distance of about a mile and a half.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

Now let’s talk about a race across the ocean, the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which is number 4 on our list. Even though it’s relatively new, starting in 1984, it’s the richest horse race in the United States, with a prize of $6 million!

Unlike the Epsom Derby, which always happens at the same place, the Breeders’ Cup Classic changes location. It’s usually in the US, but once it was held in Canada. This year, it’s at Santa Anita Park. The race is about 1.25 miles long, and it’s open to 3-year-old horses.

Only 14 horses can run in the race, and they’re all really good. It’s tough to guess who will win. In 1993, a horse named Arcangues surprised everyone by winning. If you had bet $2 on that horse, you would have won $269.20!

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Now let’s talk about another big race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which comes in at number 3 on our list. It’s not as old as the Derby, but it’s been happening for almost 100 years! In 2020, it will celebrate its 100th race.

Even though it’s sponsored by a company from Qatar, the race actually happens in Paris, France, at the Longchamp Racecourse. People often just call it the ‘Arc’. It’s the second richest turf race, with a prize of $5.5 million. Many people think it’s one of the most important horse races in Europe.

Dubai World Cup

Now, let’s talk about a race that’s all about big money: the Dubai World Cup! It has an incredible prize of $12 million, making it the richest horse race in the world. This race happens every year on the last Saturday of March at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, UAE. It’s the newest race on our list, starting just over 20 years ago in 1996.

The Dubai World Cup was briefly dethroned as the richest race by the Pegasus World Cup in 2017, but it regained its title. The race is sponsored by the ruling Sheikh of Dubai, so you know it’s a big deal. It’s part of the Dubai World Cup Night Event, which has a total prize purse of nearly $30 million. That’s a lot of money for one night of racing!

Kentucky Derby

Now, let’s talk about the top spot on our list: the Kentucky Derby! This race is legendary. It started way back in 1875 and kicks off the Triple Crown series. Every year, on the first Saturday of May, the excitement builds as people gather to watch.

The Kentucky Derby is nicknamed “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sport” because the horses race for just that long. They cover a track that’s 10 furlongs long, which is about 2,012 meters. It’s such a big deal that people from all over the world tune in to watch and place bets. In 2017, over 158,000 people showed up to watch in person!

What makes this race extra special are the traditions. There’s the famous mint julep drink, the tasty stew called burgoo, the fancy “Millionaire’s Row” seating area, and the beautiful rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home” played by the marching band. These traditions add to the incredible atmosphere of the race.

And that wraps up our list of the five most famous horse races in the world! It’s not a definitive list, and we had some debates about it, but we think most horse racing fans would agree with our choices.