Since the olden days, people who partook in Horse Racing Betting have been considered sportsmanlike. Going to the tracks was complemented by following the races on TV and even online. Some races are small, others are big events. In that regard, we have made a humble list of the top five horse racing events in the world. Enjoy.
The Kentucky Derby
Are you into horse racing? Doesn’t matter. You have already heard of the famous Kentucky Derby. Every year in May, the first Saturday, to be exact, over 100,000 fans and punters gather in Louisville, Kentucky to enjoy some of the best horses and jockeys in the world.
It is important to point out that this is not an endurance race. In fact, it is not very long at all. 1.25 miles of track are covered in 2 minutes at most, which is why this event is frequently referred to as the Greatest Two Minutes In Sports. Along with the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, it is a part of the Triple Crown.
The Preakness Stakes
Two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, Pimlico Race Course welcomes horse-racing enthusiasts to the Preakness Stakes. Interestingly enough, this race is older than the previous entry on the list by two years. The races started in 1873 and 1875, respectively. The winner of the race receives a coveted Woodlawn Vase.
The Belmont Stakes
The final leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is in New York. The Belmont Stakes started in 1867 and is the place where the famous horse Secretariat made a name for himself. Even as little as $20 can get you in the seats. The race is held on the first Saturday in June and is also where we find out whether any horse was skillful enough to win the Triple Crown.
The Cheltenham Festival
Arguably the biggest and best horse-racing event in the world is the Cheltenham Festival. It is, without a doubt, among the most popular. While the previous three races focus on the US, this one is a bit different. It involves the best National Hunt horses in Ireland and Britain. It is a four-day festival with 30 races and the prize money is second only to Grand National. It’s held in March, around St. Patrick’s Day.
Grand National
The most popular steeple-chase worldwide, the Grand National holds no punches when it comes to the quality of the races, and the size of the prize. In 2019, for example, the purse was reportedly £1,000,000.
It is also a great place for punters and even those who do not normally practice betting. Indeed, many of the patrons save their excitement and their wallets for this yearly event. It is held about a month after the Cheltenham Festival to allow the horses and the jockeys to recover and participate in both. To participate in the race, the horse in question must be at least seven years old. Handling the 4 miles 514 yards of turf is certainly a challenge.