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HORSE RACING AROUND THE WORLD

Around the world in 80 neighs. 

Horse racing has been a famously entertaining sport around the world for centuries, even ancient Romans and Greeks dabbled in the world. It has only got bigger since then, with horse racing events taking place all over the globe. 

Many fans of the sport will be most familiar with it in places such as the UK, US, and Australia, as these are the homelands of some of the biggest and most important races. 

Many major races are held in a number of other countries as well though, France, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates all dabble in horse racing and have their say in the sport. 

Let’s take a look at horse racing around the world, and if you really want to know even more, check out www.tvg.com. 

Horse racing in the UK, US, and Australia. 

Horse racing is a very important sport in all these three nations. 

UK

In the UK it is one of the oldest and most loved sports, it comes in second to soccer, as the second-largest spectator sport in the country. It has races that take place all the way through the year in multiple formats, and even at the lower standards it consistently attracts a great deal of attention. It is popular due to its involvement in gambling, as you can imagine, but it is also exciting on its own as well. 

While many races in the UK are flat, there are plenty which are National Hunt as well, in which rider and horse take on obstacles such as hurdles and fences. 

USA

In the US horse racing is a tremendous spectator story, it is an even bigger industry and even bigger in the gambling world too. In the US, horse racing began in 1665 and since then it has grown massively. 

In the US you can find a multitude of different specific types of horse racing events, such as Quarter Horse Races, Thoroughbred Horse Races, Thoroughbred Flat Horse Races, Thoroughbred Horse Jump Racing, Standard Horse Races, Endurance Horse Races, and Arabian Horse Races. 

In the US four major races take place, you probably know of these, they are, The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, all of which combine to make the Triple Crown series. But do not forget the Breeder’s Cup, held at the end of each year. 

Australia

In Australia, you will find the most popular type of horse racing is Thoroughbred. They have over 300 racecourses, which is amazingly more than any other country in the world, and only the US can claim to have more horses starting races each year. They are also third in terms of the prize money they award yearly, just behind the US and Japan. 

A majority of their racing is flat, like in the US. But in Victoria and South Australia, you may find some racing over fences and hurdles too. Similar to the UK and US, betting is an important part of the sport in Australia. 

Horse racing in Europe. 

In Europe, horse racing is also popular. Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungry all dabble in the sport and enjoy horse racing. 

However, outside the UK and Ireland, France is the leading racing nation of Europe. France hosts several important races, such as the Grand Prix de Paris, the Prix du Jockey Club, and the Prix de Diane. However, France’s most important horse race is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which is the richest race in Europe and second-richest turf race in the world! 

Horse racing in Asia. 

Horse racing is very popular in several Asian nations. The continent is actually home to some of the world's most major races, not that you may think. Regions in which you would find horse racing very popular are Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong. It is also popular in India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and China as well. 

You may find it surprising that Japan is one of the leading nations for horse racing, holding 20,000 races each year.

Racing is actually a big deal in the United Arab Emirates, despite how gambling is illegal. The Meydan Racecourse in Dubai is considered to be the largest racetrack in the world, and actually has restaurants, a hotel, a museum, and theater all built in! It is the home of the Dubai World Cup. 

The Honk Kong history of horse racing is just as rich, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club being one of the oldest of the region, having formed in 1884. 

Horse racing in Africa. 

In Africa, horse racing is popular in both Mauritius and South Africa. It is one of the leading sports in Mauritius, and the only course they have ‘ The Champ De Mars Racecourse’, will attract a crowd of 20,000 and hosts a plethora of events every year. 

In South Africa they have been racing since the beginning of the 19th century and their leading race ‘The Durban July Handicap’ draws in crowds of 50,000. 

What are the 7 biggest horse racing events in the world? 

Now we know where racing is the most popular, and where you want to go if you want to see an exceptional horse racing event, let’s have a look at what the 10 biggest races are and where they are. 

1. The Nakayama Grand Jump in Funabashi, Japan. 

Considered to be one of the richest steeplechase races in the world. 

2. The Kentucky Derby in Louisville, USA. 

Without a doubt the world’s most recognized race. 

3. The Cheltenham Festival, United Kingdom. 

The most popular horse racing event in the UK. 

4. The Japan Cup in Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan. 

The most prestigious horse racing event in Japan. 

5. The Melbourne Cup in Melbourne, Australia. 

Considered the dream tournament for many world-class jockeys, with a prize fund of $5.3 million. 

6. Pegasus World Cup Invitational, Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA. 

One of the most extravagant prize purses in the world. 

7. Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. 

One of the most elegant horse racing tournaments in Europe. 

 

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