Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world, and has been a part of human culture for centuries. The five classic races of horse racing, also known as the “Classics”, are the oldest and most prestigious events of the year. These races are the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Epsom Derby, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. They are known for their long histories, huge purses, and the challenge they present to both horse and jockey. This article will provide an overview of the five classic races, including their histories, courses, and winners.
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the oldest and most famous of the five classic races. It is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. The race is one and a quarter miles long, and the purse is $3 million dollars. The Kentucky Derby is the first race in the American Triple Crown, and is often referred to as the “Run for the Roses” due to the blanket of red roses draped over the winning horse. The Kentucky Derby has been run since 1875 and is one of the most prestigious races in the world.
The Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is the second race in the American Triple Crown and is held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland on the third Saturday in May. The race is one and three sixteenths miles long, and the purse is $1.5 million dollars. The Preakness Stakes has been run since 1873, and is traditionally known for its black-eyed Susan blanket, which is draped over the winning horse.
The Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is the third race in the American Triple Crown and is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York on the third Saturday in June. The race is one and a half miles long, and the purse is $1.5 million dollars. The Belmont Stakes has been run since 1867, and is the longest and most difficult of the three Triple Crown races. The race is traditionally known for its white carnations blanket, which is draped over the winning horse.
The Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby is the oldest of the five classic races and is held annually at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, England on the first Saturday in June. The race is one and a half miles long, and the purse is £1.5 million pounds. The Epsom Derby has been run since 1780, and is the most prestigious flat race in Europe. The race is traditionally known for its sprig of mint blanket, which is draped over the winning horse.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the last of the five classic races and is held annually at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France on the first Sunday in October. The race is one and a half miles long, and the purse is €5 million euros. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has been run since 1920, and is the most prestigious flat race in the world. The race is traditionally known for its laurel wreath blanket, which is draped over the winning horse.
History of the 5 Classics
The five classic races of horse racing have long and rich histories. The Kentucky Derby has been run since 1875, the Preakness Stakes since 1873, the Belmont Stakes since 1867, the Epsom Derby since 1780, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe since 1920. Each race has its own unique history and traditions, and each has become a prestigious and iconic event in the horse racing world.
Courses of the 5 Classics
The five classic races are held on different courses around the world. The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Preakness Stakes is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the Belmont Stakes is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the Epsom Derby is held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, England, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France.
Winners of the 5 Classics
The winners of the five classic races of horse racing are often the highlight of the year. The Kentucky Derby has been won by horses such as American Pharoah (2015), California Chrome (2014), and Secretariat (1973). The Preakness Stakes has been won by horses such as Justify (2018), American Pharoah (2015), and Smarty Jones (2004). The Belmont Stakes has been won by horses such as Justify (2018), American Pharoah (2015), and Affirmed (1978). The Epsom Derby has been won by horses such as Masar (2018), Golden Horn (2015), and Sea the Stars (2009). The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has been won by horses such as Enable (2018), Treve (2014), and Sea the Stars (2009).
Purse of the 5 Classics
The purses of the five classic races are some of the largest in the world. The Kentucky Derby has a purse of $3 million dollars, the Preakness Stakes has a purse of $1.5 million dollars, the Belmont Stakes has a purse of $1.5 million dollars, the Epsom Derby has a purse of £1.5 million pounds, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has a purse of €5 million euros.
Prizes of the 5 Classics
The prizes for the five classic races are some of the most prestigious in the world. The Kentucky Derby has a blanket of red roses draped over the winning horse, the Preakness Stakes has a black-eyed Susan blanket draped over the winning horse, the Belmont Stakes has a white carnations blanket draped over the winning horse, the Epsom Derby has a sprig of mint blanket draped over the winning horse, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has a laurel wreath blanket draped over the winning horse.
Conclusion
The five classic races of horse racing are some of the oldest and most prestigious events of the year. The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Epsom Derby, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe are known for their long histories, huge purses, and the challenge they present to both horse and jockey. These races have become iconic events in the horse racing world, and the winners of these races are often the highlight of the year.