Horse race track dates back to Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, Egypt, Babylon and Syria. Nowadays, the most elitarian horse racing venues happen to be mainly in English-speaking countries, UK, USA, Australia, Europe, but also in Middle and Far East ones.
The whole world is fascinated by the exclusive status quo that horse racing offers. Billionaires love to invest in championships as well as horse breeding. Here is a selection of the top 5 racetracks in the world.
5. Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
This track opened in 1829 and is home to the famous Liverpool Hurdle, Aintree Bowl and the Grand National races. It is a very competitive and enduring one for both the horses and the jockeys. Horse racing lovers will have heard names like The Chair, The Becher’s Brook, The Canal Turn, these are just some names Aintree’s obstacles have been given.
4. Meydan, Meydan City, Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE
In exotic Dubai, horse racing fans can enjoy the renowned Sheema, Dubai Gold Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup. The venue has been opened only since 2010 but the amenities and surroundings offer spectacular views. Most importantly, the winners have the chance to finish with the largest ever prize money in horse racing history.
3. Longchamp, Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France
The Parisian race track is one of the oldest as it dates back to 1857. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the richest race, runs on the first Sunday each October and has been going on since the era of the Second French Empire. The other notable horse races taking place at the Hippodrome de Longchamp are the Prix du Cadran and the Grand Prix de Paris.
2. Ascot, Berkshire, Greater London, UK
Surely the UK horse racing event of the year, with the perfect combination of fashion and class. Some lucky viewers might even spot Royal Family members among the guests. Ascot horse racecourse was founded by a royalty, Queen Anne of the Stuart period herself, back in 1751. Hence, the origin of the popular group of bets named Queen Anne Stakes. Ascot is also home to Royal Ascot, British Champions Day and Clarence House Chase. The Royal Ascot race is a successful socialite event that lasts for 5 entire days and happens in the middle of June.
1. Churchill Downs, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Horse racing punters in the USA and abroad all agree on the fact that the Kentucky Derby, also known as the race of the roses, is one of the most exciting moments in the history of sports. The Derby also has its own traditional drink, the mint julep, and apparently more than 120,000 are said to be consumed at the race each year. Other famous racecourses taking place at Churchill Downs are Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap.