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Best Horseracing Destinations in the World

| July 12, 2018

The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Kentucky

Horse racing is one of the most historic sporting events in the world. Throughout the years, a number of destinations have become synonymous with this popular sport, which provides people with a chance to dress up, have fun, or cheer on a talented jockey.

If you are passionate about the sport and want to feel the buzz and excitement of a world famous racecourse, take a look at the following four best horse racing destinations from across the globe.

1. Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Lexington is home to not one but two fantastic horse racing tracks: Keeneland and The Red Mile. It also offers a wide array of horse farms that breed the finest stallions. As a result, the city has been coined “the horse capital of the world”.

The city is also just an hour’s drive away from Churchill Downs racecourse, which is most famous for the annual Kentucky Derby. There’s plenty of things to see and do when in Lexington, as it’s also famous for exceptional art and bourbon. You can even pay a visit to the International Museum of the Horse to explore all things equine.

2. Liverpool, England

England is a sports mad nation, even cricketer Freddie Flintoff has released a patriotic anthem to cheer on the national football team for the FIFA World Cup. When it comes to horse-racing events, you certainly don’t get much bigger than The Grand National, which is held annually every April at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.

The Grand National at Aintree

The historic sporting event first started in 1839 and is now the most valuable jump race in all of Europe, as it offers a prize fund of £1 million. The finest jockeys in the world therefore participate in the handicap steeplechase, which is watched by up to 600 million people in 140 countries annually.

3. Dubai, UAE

For a truly luxurious horse racing experience, jump on the next flight to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse features luxurious facilities from which to watch the horses and jockeys in action. As you watch the race, you can even enjoy world-class dishes from talented chefs. The racecourse also features a horse museum, as well as the longest grandstand on the planet, which is over a mile long.

The perfect time to visit Meydan is from November to March, as it hosts the Winter Racing Challenge, Dubai World Cup Night, and Dubai International Racing Carnival. Of course, the city’s biggest sporting event is the Dubai World Cup, which is the world’s richest race day when the winner takes home an incredible $10 million in prize money.

4. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is not only home to sunny skies, surf beaches, and wineries, as it also features Flemington Racecourse, which has been home to the Melbourne Cup since 1861. The event has also been deemed the richest two-mile handicap in the world, as well as one of the richest turf races in the sport. Only horses that are three years or older can compete in the race, which is held on the first November every Tuesday and is run over a 3,200 metre distance.

So, if you’re in need of a little travel inspiration, you cannot go wrong with any of the above destinations. Not only do each offer some of the finest events and racecourses in the sport, but they are also filled with an intriguing history and unique culture that will make your trip simply unforgettable.

 

Category: Special interest

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