If you’re a fan of horse racing, then you’ll want to check out this list of the 10 largest horse races in the world. These events are some of the most prestigious and well-known sports races, drawing huge crowds and millions of dollars in prize money. So if you’re looking for an exciting thrill ride, check out one of these massive horse races!
1. The Kentucky Derby
Schedule: First Saturday in May
Site: Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky
Winnings: $3 million
1st race: 1875
The Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s most renowned horse races. It’s also the longest-running sporting event in the United States, having been held annually since 1875. The Derby is a 1.25-mile Grade I, stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. It’s the first leg of the American Triple Crown and draws a massive crowd of over 150,000 spectators each year. The Kentucky Derby is known for its elaborate hats, mint juleps, and beautiful Southern belle women.
2. The Preakness Stakes
Schedule: Third Saturday in May
Site: Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland
Winnings: $1 million
1st race: 1873
The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown and is run annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness is a race for three-year-old thoroughbreds that has Grade I, stakes and covers 1.125 miles (1.8 km).It’s one of the most famous horse races in the United States, drawing a crowd of over 100,000 spectators each year.
3. The Belmont Stakes
Schedule: First or second Saturday of June
Site: Belmont Park in Elmont, New York
Winnings: $1.5 million
1st race: 1867
The Belmont Stakes is the third and final leg of the American Triple Crown. The Belmont Stakes is a Grade I, stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run over 1.5 miles (2.4 km). The Belmont Stakes is held annually on the first or second Saturday in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It’s one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and often attracts a field of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds.
4. The Dubai World Cup
Schedule: Late March/Early April
Site: Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Winnings: $12 million
1st race: 1996
The Dubai World Cup is the world’s richest horse race, with a purse of $12 million. It’s a Group 1 stakes race for thoroughbreds four years old and up and is run over 2,000 meters (1.24 miles). The Dubai World Cup is held annually at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on the final Saturday of March or the first Saturday of April. It’s one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and often attracts some of the best horses from around the globe.
5. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Schedule: 1st Saturday of October
Site: Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France
Winnings: $5.49 million
1st race: 1920
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds and up, running over 2,400 meters (1.5 miles). It’s held annually at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France, on the first Sunday in October. The Arc is one of the finest horse races on the planet, and it frequently attracts a field of the most outstanding horses from around the world. It also carries a purse of $5 million, making it one of the richest horse races in Europe.
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6. The Breeders’ Cup Classic
Schedule: Early November
Site: Various Locations
Winnings: $6 million
1st race: 1984
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a horse race with the largest purse in North America, sitting at $6 million. The Grade I, stakes race is for three-year-old thoroughbreds and up, and it covers 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Every year on the first Saturday of November, the location of the Classic changes to different racetracks. It’s one of the most sought-after horse races around and often draws horses from all over the world that is considered top competitors in their fields.
7. The Prix du Jockey Club
Schedule: Late May/Early June
Site: Chantilly Racecourse in Chantilly, France
Winnings: $2 million
1st race: 1836
The Prix du Jockey Club is a Group 1 stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds, running over 2,100 meters (1.3 miles). It’s held annually at Chantilly Racecourse in Chantilly, France, on the first Sunday in June. The Jockey Club is one of France’s most prestigious horse races and often attracts a field of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the globe. It also carries a purse of $2 million.
8. Epsom Derby
Schedule: Late May/Early June
Site: Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, England
Winnings: $2.5 million
1st race: 1780
The Epsom Derby is a Group 1 stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds, running over 2,420 meters (1.5 miles). It’s held annually at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, England, on the first Saturday in June. The Derby is one of the most reputable horse races in the world and often attracts a field of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the globe. It also carries a purse of $2.5 million.
9. Melbourne Cup
Schedule: Early November
Site: Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia
Winnings: $6 million
1st race: 1861
The Victoria Cup, Australia’s most expensive horse race, has a prize pool of $6 million. It is a Group 1 stakes event for three-year-olds and up that takes place over 2 miles (3200 meters). Every year, on Novemberfirst at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, the Melbourne Cup is held. It’s one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events, and it attracts some of the finest horses from all around the globe every year.
10. The Everest
Schedule: Late October/Early November
Site: Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia
Winnings: $11 million
1st race: 2017
Everest is the richest horse race in the world, with a purse of $10 million. It’s held annually on the first Saturday in October at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia and attracts some of the best horses from around the globe. TheEverest is a Group 1 stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds and up, run over a distance of 1,600 meters (1 mile)..
These are just a few of the world’s biggest and most prestigious horse races. If you’re a fan of horse racing, be sure to check out some of these events. You won’t be disappointed!