Horse racing is one of the most beloved sports around the world, and it has been enjoyed by people for centuries. While the sport has changed and evolved over time, one thing has remained constant: the excitement of watching horses compete for the top spot. As such, some of the biggest and most prestigious horse racing events are held around the world each year. So, what is the biggest horse racing event?
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most iconic horse races in the world. Held each year on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is the longest-running annual sporting event in the United States. It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The race is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and attracts thousands of spectators each year. The event is also televised on NBC.
The Kentucky Derby is also known as “The Run for the Roses” due to the blanket of roses draped over the winning horse. The prize money for the winner is one of the highest in the world, with the winner of the 2019 race taking home over $1.86 million. The race itself is 1.25 miles in length, making it one of the longest in the world.
The Grand National
The Grand National is one of the most famous steeplechase races in the world. It takes place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England and is run over a distance of 4 miles and 514 yards. The race is famous for its difficult jumps, the most famous of which is the iconic Becher’s Brook.
The Grand National has been running since 1839 and is the most watched horse race in Britain. It is estimated that over 600 million people in more than 140 countries watch the event each year. The purse for the 2019 race was $1 million ($1.27 million), with the winning horse taking home over $561,000 ($721,000).
The Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup is the world’s richest horse race. It takes place each year at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and attracts a large number of international competitors. The race is run over a distance of 1.5 miles and the purse for the 2019 event was $12 million, with the winning horse taking home over $7 million.
The event is attended by royalty and VIPs from around the world and is televised on NBC. The race has been running since 1996 and has been won by some of the world’s most famous horses, including Curlin and California Chrome.
The Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The race is run at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia and is run over a distance of 3,200 meters. The purse for the 2019 race was A$8 million ($5.6 million) and the winning horse took home A$4.4 million ($3.1 million).
The event is attended by over 100,000 people each year and is also broadcast on television. The race has been running since 1861 and is well known for its “Cup Carnival” atmosphere. It is one of the most iconic horse racing events in the world and is often referred to as “the race that stops a nation”.
Conclusion
Horse racing events around the world have something for everyone. From the iconic Kentucky Derby to the world’s richest race, the Dubai World Cup, there is a race to suit all tastes. Whether you’re a fan of flat racing or steeplechase, there is a horse racing event to suit you. So, what is the biggest horse racing event?It’s hard to say, as each event has its own unique appeal. However, some of the biggest and most prestigious events include the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National, the Dubai World Cup and the Melbourne Cup.