- Brief Overview: Dubbed “the world’s richest race on turf,” The Everest is a relatively new but highly anticipated sprint race held at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney. With a staggering purse and a unique slot-holder system, it attracts the best sprinters from around the globe.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include Redzel (the inaugural winner in 2017), Yes Yes Yes, and Nature Strip. The race is run over 1200 meters (about 6 furlongs) and features a thrilling dash to the finish line.
- Brief Overview: Held at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious flat races in the world. It attracts the best middle-distance horses from Europe and beyond, competing over a challenging 2400-meter (about 1.5-mile) course.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include legendary horses like Enable (a two-time winner), Sea Bird, and Dancing Brave. The race is known for its international flavor and the challenging uphill finish.
- Brief Overview: Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup is a legendary handicap race held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. It’s a spectacle that captivates Australia, with millions tuning in to witness the thrilling 3200-meter (about 2-mile) contest.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include Makybe Diva (a three-time winner), Phar Lap, and Rain Lover. The race is known for its unpredictable nature and the passionate atmosphere.
- Brief Overview: The first leg of the American Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, it’s a 2000-meter (about 1.25-mile) race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, attracting the best young horses in the United States.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Justify. The race is known for its iconic twin spires, the vibrant atmosphere, and the “Run for the Roses” tradition.
- Brief Overview: Held at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the Dubai World Cup is one of the richest horse races in the world. It attracts top-class horses from around the globe, competing over 2000 meters (about 1.25 miles) on a dirt track.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include Arrogate, California Chrome, and Dubai Millennium. The race is known for its luxurious setting, international field, and massive purse.
- Brief Overview: Royal Ascot is more than just a horse race; it’s a week-long festival of racing, fashion, and tradition. Held at Ascot Racecourse in England, it features a series of prestigious races, including the Gold Cup, the Queen Anne Stakes, and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
- Key Highlights: Royal Ascot is known for its royal attendance, strict dress code, and historical significance. It’s a showcase of British racing at its finest, attracting the best horses and jockeys from around the world.
- Brief Overview: The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the culmination of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, a series of prestigious races held annually at different race tracks across the United States. The Classic is a 2000-meter (about 1.25-mile) race for Thoroughbreds aged three and older, attracting the best horses in the world.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include American Pharoah, Zenyatta, and Tiznow. The race is known for its competitive field, unpredictable nature, and the “Win and You’re In” challenge series that offers automatic berths to top performers.
- Brief Overview: Held at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, the Grand National is one of the most famous and challenging steeplechase races in the world. It’s a grueling 4-mile race with 30 challenging fences, attracting a large field and testing a horse’s jumping ability and stamina.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include Red Rum (a three-time winner), Tiger Roll (a two-time winner), and Many Clouds. The race is known for its unpredictable nature, with long odds and thrilling finishes.
- Brief Overview: The final leg of the American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes is “The Test of the Champion.” Held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, it’s a 2400-meter (about 1.5-mile) race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, known for its grueling distance and challenging track.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Justify. The race is known for its demanding nature, often separating the true champions from the rest.
- Brief Overview: The second jewel in the American Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s a 1900-meter (about 1 3/16-mile) race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, offering a unique challenge between the shorter Kentucky Derby and the longer Belmont Stakes.
- Key Highlights: Past winners include Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Justify. The race is known for its “black-eyed Susans” blanket of flowers awarded to the winner and its unpredictable nature, often producing surprising results.
- The Japan Cup (Tokyo, Japan): A prestigious international race attracting top horses from around the world.
- Arlington Million (Arlington Heights, USA): A historic turf race known for its challenging course and competitive field.
- Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Sydney, Australia): A weight-for-age race showcasing Australia’s best middle-distance horses.
- Plan Ahead: Mark your calendar with race dates and times so you don’t miss out.
- Enhance Your Viewing: Attend live, host a watch party, or stream online.
- Get Involved: Learn about the horses, jockeys, and trainers to deepen your experience.
- Bet Responsibly: Set limits, have fun, and avoid chasing losses.
