5 famous horse races around the world

Have you ever been to a horse racing event on your travels?

One of the best aspects of international travel is getting to experience a new culture. From street food to annual festivals, there’s always something new to try. For sports fans, heading to a new city often involves checking out a game or, going on a tour of one of the area’s major sporting venues.

Travellers can cheer on players with other passionate fans in South Korea’s KBO baseball league or attend a Brazilian Capoeira competition in São Paolo. Each destination around the world has its own unique sporting identity, but simply watching any sport while abroad gives it an exciting twist.

In many countries, horse racing is one of the oldest and most-recognised sports. Still, not many people head down to the racetracks while on holiday, but a local racetrack is often an interesting way to make an afternoon of your travels a little more interesting.

From Liverpool to Kentucky and even Tokyo, some of the world’s premier travel locations also host some of horseracing’s most exclusive and exciting events. So, let’s take a look at five of the world’s biggest horseracing events, and the cities they touch down in.

The Grand National - Liverpool, England

The Grand National is the United Kingdom’s premiere horse racing event. Even with remote spectators and virtual horses this year, the 2020 Grand National attracted five million viewers in the UK alone, along with each viewer betting an average of £2.

The 2021 race, pencilled in for 10 April, is already gaining momentum as Grand National tips from experts and exclusive promos go live online in preparation for the steeplechase.

Horseracing is firmly ensconced in the UK betting scene. From 2017 to 2018, British people wagered a total of £4.3 billion on horse races. If you want to make a trip to The Grand National even more exciting

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe - Paris, France

On the first Sunday in October, the Prix de L’arc de Triomphe (also known as ‘the Arc’) is Europe’s oldest and most prestigious horse race. Much like the Kentucky Derby in America, the Arc transforms Paris into a weekend of celebrating local cuisine, drinks, and art alongside the champion horses taking part in the race.

And although wagering on the race isn’t nearly as culturally ubiquitous as it is in England, the Arc remains a people’s race. Despite being one of the most renowned sporting events in the world, ticket prices hover around €8, with a waived entrance fee for those under 18.

Additionally, local trains in Paris run at a more frequent pace to accommodate attendees. Travellers can set up shop near Gare du Nord, which offers easy train access to attend Longchamps, where the race is held. But remember—though tickets are cheap, the dress code is formal.

Two jockeys and their horses go head-to-head on the track.

Japan Cup - Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s Japan Cup, which occurs on the last Sunday of November, is East Asia’s premier horseracing event. It’s often coupled together with the Arc (mentioned above) as the greatest year-end event in the racing world.

Located at Tokyo Racecourse in the Fuchu neighborhood, you won’t be strapped to find stunning attractions. The racecourse itself offers great views via their massive grandstand - however, tickets are pricey.

Those interested in linking horseracing trips to nearby locations like Australia can look into Japan Cup tours that bundle offers and transportation. Those looking to stick to backpacking can stay in locations ideal for first-timers (Shinjuku), those on a budget (Asakusa), and those interested in soaking up culture, Shibuya is for you.

The Everest - Sydney, Australia

The Everest offers visitors an exclusive opportunity, as the event takes place at the end of Sydney’s Spring Carnival each October. The race is sandwiched between other exciting events, from fashion runways to street festivals.

Given that the Everest features one of the largest prize purses in the horseracing world (at around US $14 million), there’s no shortage of international stars in attendance - equine and human alike. Alongside the racing at Randwick Racecourse, you can expect multiple grandstands, a theatre, a tea house, and historical exhibits.

As one of the most iconic locations in the nation, Randwick Racecourse has also been used for backdrops in major films, such as the Mission: Impossible franchise. The race takes place on the second or third Saturday of October, which means bundling a trip with the Japan Cup while traveling east is possible.

The Kentucky Derby - Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America

As one of the most well-known horseracing events in the world, the Kentucky Derby offers those traveling westward the chance to experience an elevated and accessible horseracing experience. Like The Arc, Kentucky Derby tickets won’t break the bank at US $40. 

Here, formal attire is a focal point of the race. In fact, some of the 150,000 attendees won’t necessarily worry about catching the race, as the atmosphere social side of the event is a draw itself.

Located at the Churchill Downs Racecourse just outside of Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby is the most difficult horserace on this list to reach. Though Louisville provides a rich cultural backdrop to experience American culture, its rural location makes for difficult plane and bus rides, as public transportation is difficult to find, although specialist transport is usually put on for the event.