Horse racing dates back to 700 to 40 B.C. at the Greek Olympic Games. While it may be difficult to pinpoint when exactly horse racing was established, many can agree that it’s been a long time since it started. It’s no wonder some horse racing events are older than us. Due to its long-term fame, it has created traditions passed on to different generations, which has become another reason for its popularity.
Just take a look at the Triple Crown. The races began in the 1800s and continue to attract horse racing fans around the globe. Let’s look at the biggest and most famous horse racing events in the world.
Pegasus World Cup
The Pegasus World Cup horse race was introduced in 2017 as the richest race in the world. Many agree that it’s the epitome of United States lavishness. The World Cup race is nine-furlong on a dirt track at Gulfstream Park, Florida. This race is a showdown for experienced horse racers of four years old and above.
Since its inception, the purse money and entry fee have kept changing. In 2018, the prize pot became $16 million from $4 million. The entry fee also rose from $1 million for each of the 12 slots. However, in 2019, the prize pot was split between the World Cup Turf Invitational and the World Cup Invitational, dropping it to $9 million.
Today, the purse money for the renowned Pegasus races is divided: World Cup Championship Invitational is $3 million, the World Cup Championship Turf Invitational has a purse of $1 million, and lastly, the World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational has a purse of $500,000.
In addition to its purse, this World Cup continues to become a premier event among horse racing fans due to its unique challenges, entertaining races, impressive purse, and how it attracts the best horses, jockeys, and owners across the globe.
Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is another popular horse racing event, as many consider it a carnival with picnic parties, celebrations, sideshows, and attendees that show off their latest fashions. Numerous socialites, politicians, and the country’s rich and famous attended the Melbourne Cup, and they continue to do so today with their best apparel.
The Melbourne Cup, with a purse of $8 million, is 1.99 miles or 3,200 meters. It was slightly shorted back in 1972 to a traditional two-mile distance when Australia adopted the metric system. This race is the richest two-mile handicap race in the world and is considered one of the richest turf races.
By visiting the Flemington Racecourse, you may experience firsthand the so-called “festival” that locals love to attend and watch different racehorses.
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the oldest and longest sporting event in the United States, and it was inaugurated back on May 17, 1875. The Kentucky Derby is undoubtedly among the most prestigious horse races globally.
If you attend the race in person, you’re encouraged to wear your fanciest hat and grab a mint julep to watch the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. Kentucky Derby is part of the Triple Crown, consisting of The Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
Every year, about 150,000 people flock to Churchill Downs to watch what’s about to unfold in horse racing history. Kentucky Derby is full of tradition, so you’ll have fun at the race. You may even get to see celebrities enjoying their mint juleps here! The race is 1-1/4 miles and lasts no more than 2 minutes, and because of this, the Kentucky Derby got its reputation as the “greatest 2 minutes in sports.”
The Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and it takes place in May. In Baltimore, Maryland, fans can buy a ticket and watch the winners of the Kentucky Derby race once again.
The race hasn’t changed since its first run in 1873, and many of its traditions remain. The winner of the race is presented with a Woodlawn Vase. It’s a grand silver trophy that was crafted by Tiffany in 1960, and the horse is draped with a delicate blanket made from Black-eyed Susans, the state flower of Maryland.
The tickets for the Preakness Stakes go for under $100, and you can purchase them on-location or online. You can mingle with other horse racing fans here, with your bright-colored clothes and over-the-top hats, and drink beer simultaneously.
Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is the last leg of the Triple Crown, and it’s famous for its extensive sweeping turns and long homestretches. Due to this, it’s considered the fairest racetrack in the United States, despite its distance, which tends to favor horses with tactical speed. It takes place every first Saturday of June in New York City. Many fans watch the Belmont Stakes as the race that will name who has won the Triple Crown and won all three races.
Final Thoughts
Are you a horse racing fan? If so, you’ve probably heard about the above horse races. These are events that you’ll surely don’t want to miss! It has its traditions and gathers fandom from all parts of the world. Book your ticket now!
