Exploring the Biggest Horse Racing Events: From the Kentucky Derby to the Melbourne Cup

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Modern horse racing is a sport that dates to the 18th century. It is undoubtedly a fantastic sport that has attracted significant attention, leading to different racing events worldwide.

Magical appeal, sheer speed, competition, and elegance are the main features of this breathtaking sport. As light as it may seem, horse racing greatly contributes to global economy. Besides, it has brought people together. Millions of fans of this sport have expressed their love for it through betting on platforms like Grand Mondial Casino to enjoy different horse racing bet types.

Let’s delve into the different horse racing events in the world today.

Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby is certainly one of the oldest horse races in the world today. It takes place at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. The race, popularly known as the ‘Run for the Roses’, is among the most popular.

The Kentucky Derby inaugural race happened in 1875. Since then, the dirt race has been happening annually, giving out a prize of $3 million. The total distance for the race is 2,000 metres.

The Melbourne Cup

Next on our list is the Melbourne Cup, a horse race that started in 1861. It happens on the first Tuesday of November annually at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. This race involves three years and above horses.

The Melbourne Cup is a turf handicap race that covers 3,200 meters (approximately 2 miles). Moreover, it offers a prize of $6.021 million, qualifying it to be the second-richest turf race in the world.

Additionally, the Victoria Racing Club organizes this event, and it happens for four days.

The Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup is undeniably one of the world’s most significant horse racing events. The race happens annually at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai every Saturday in March. It started in 1996, and it was founded by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid. Additionally, it offers a price of $ 12 million, making it one of the single wealthiest races globally.

The race is a Group 1 flat race on dirt. It involves Northern Hemisphere Thoroughbreds four years old and above, and the distance covered is 10 furlongs (2,000 metres).

The Everest

Although Everest does not have a rich history due to its recent start in 2017, it is popular for huge prizes. The race happens on the second or third Saturday of October in Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, Australia.

Everest is a turf race that covers 1,200 metres, and the prize tag is a whopping $11.290 million despite being a new race. Definitely, this makes it the richest turf race in the world. Due to its novelty, it is yet to qualify for a Group 1 race.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a turf horse race that started in 1920. It happens on the first Saturday of October every year at Longchamp Racecourse, Paris, France. Moreover, it involves a distance of 2,400m (around 1.5 miles).

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is open to three-year-olds and above from France, Germany, the UK and Ireland. Certainly, it is the richest race in Europe and the fifth richest in the turf races, thanks to its prize of $5.49 million.

The Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby happens every first Saturday of June at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England. The Derby is a tuff race that involves colts and fillies that are three -years old. For the first time, this race was run in 1780.

The Epsom Derby covers 2,400 meters. Furthermore, the prize is $2,000,000, making the Derby the biggest horse race in Britain in prize terms. Interestingly, the race attracts locals and international visitors for being one of the best in the UK.

The Royal Ascot

The Royal Ascot is a five-day horse racing event at the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. The race happens in June and brings members of the royal family, horse lovers and celebrities together.

For the first time, the Royal Ascot was run in 1711. It involves horses and jockeys, covering 2.5 miles (4km). Lastly, the price of this race is around £9.52 million.

Gold Cup at Ascot

Like the Royal Ascot race, the Gold Cup is a turf race for four-year-olds that happens at the Ascot Racecourse, Ascot in England. Meanwhile, this race is considered long distance as the horses run over 2 miles, 3 furlongs and 210 yards.

The first race of the Gold Cup happened in 1807. Since then, the race has been building up a prize, which currently stands at $495,231.

ConclusionCertainly, horse racing is a popular sport for all people. Throughout the year, the racecourses for the above races flourish with people from all walks of life. They enjoy the moment, place bets, and cheer their jockeys. It is always a fantastic time.