When it comes to horse racing, there are meetings across the world for all budgets. Yet if you want to be seen at the most luxurious, you need to plan your calendar carefully. Taking part in the first half of the year, the best ones require some travel. Below, we discuss the world’s most prestigious horse race meetings.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, many may have Royal Ascot down as the most upmarket event in UK race meetings. Yet if you want to be seen anywhere, you should head for the Grand National. It is the biggest National Hunt race, where horses must run over four miles traversing fences and ditches. With a field of forty, making a bet on Grand National winners is a real gamble. It was only in 2009 that an outsider won at 100/1. It really could be anyone, but you need to be in it to win it.
The horses for 2023 have yet to be confirmed, but some are sure to race and are in hot contention. If you want to pick a winner, check out the best Paddy Power racing bets in advance for great prices. Corach Rambler is the current favorite at 11/2, closely followed by the 8/1 Noble Yeats. Anyone heading to the event should also know there are plenty of other races taking place, and you can use the same sites to check on these horses as well and get quality tips.
Dubai
The best-thoroughbred horse races in the Middle East all head to the Dubai World Cup, meaning the owners, trainers, and who is who goes as well. Taking place at the Meydan Racecourse once a year, it is a one-day event comprised of nine races. Eight of these are thoroughbred races and one is a purebred contest for Arabian horses.
The Dubai World Cup is the final race of the evening. Created by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and a horse lover, the race carries a prize fund of USD 12 million. This makes it the richest horse race in the world. Many of its winners go on to great things across the world and the offspring of these horses are in hot demand, especially ones from the Godolphin stable owned by the Sheikh himself.
US
The Kentucky Derby is the biggest and most prestigious horse race in the US. Starting on the first Saturday of May every year, it is referred to as the “Run for the Roses” due to the garland placed around the winner’s neck. This Grade I stakes race is run over one and a quarter miles, making it a fast sprint. It forms the first part of the American Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
There are many other meetings across the world, from Hong Kong to Japan and Ireland. Yet these are the three where the most luxury is afforded, where you can mix them with an upmarket holiday. Plan in advance, manage your bankroll, and enjoy the racing.