Horse racing has always had an element of prestige to it. While many of us these will happily place a wager via our smartphones, the sport has long been associated with the gentry, welcoming the world’s elite trackside to bet on a horse they quite probably own.
Across the world there are a number of races we always sit up and take note of, not least because of the world-class horses and jockeys they attract.
But what are the most prestigious race days of them all?
Here’s our rundown of the races which really do put the glamour into horse racing.
Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby is one of the oldest races on the planet and this June will run for the 240th time.
Located in Epsom in Surrey, it’s one of the UK’s biggest racedays and the most prestigious when it comes to Britain’s five classics.
Epsom Derby betting is always popular and some of the finest horses worldwide race for the £1.5million ($2.6million) purse.
Over the years the likes of Frankie Dettori and Lester Piggott have won the race and it always sees a number of jockeys from Canada and the US go over to compete.
The Derby is almost upon us and the favourites are already starting to hit the headlines, with many of the top bookmakers pricing it a close contest between Sir Dragonet and Broome who are currently 3/1 and 4/1 with Ladbrokes respectively.
Prix de L’Arc De Triomphe
The Prix is the jewel in France’s racing crown and takes place on the first Sunday of October each year.
It was first ran in 1920 and has been one of the world’s finest ever since. The prize money is huge and in recent years has seen Frankie Dettori dominate, winning three out of the last four.
No Canadians trainers have ever won the race, with the vast majority coming from France as you’d expect, although British trainers have 15 wins, including Enable
If you’re looking at the bookmaker with the higher odds, they currently have Enable as favourite at 7/2 to win the 2021 Prix de L’Arc De Triomphe, whilst Sea of Class is second favourite at 5/1 with the same bookies.
Kentucky Derby
Of course, the Kentucky Derby is one of the great sporting events across the world, taking place every first Saturday in May.
This year was won by Country House, ridden by Flavien Prat, claiming almost $2million in winnings.
It’s one of the most watched horse races in the world and welcomes around 150,000 punters into the racecourse every Derby.
Canadians have a history of success in the Derby with the great Northern Dancer becoming the first Canadian-bred horse to win the race back in 1964.
Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup isn’t steeped in tradition but has become one of the most sought after and prestigious races to win thanks to its huge prize pot of $12million.
Canada has yet to have success in the World Cup, with UAE owner and Irish trainer Thunder Snow winning the last two.
It’s a race broadcast all over the world and is heavily bet on and continues to this day to be the world’s richest horse race, welcoming celebrities, billionaire business owners and royalty each and every year.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.