As a punter, whether you’ve been in the game for a long time or not. There is a ton of money to be made when following the horse racers. The punting game has changed with access to online bookies, making it easier to follow and bet on sports on other continents. As you plan for your punting season or even the next couple of races. Here are some of the biggest horse races in the world that you may want to bet on
1. The Kentucky Derby
The first Saturday in May is reserved for one of the most electrifying horse races on the planet. “The fastest two minutes in sports”, or as some like to call it, the Kentucky Derby. Hosted at none other than the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s the longest continuously run sporting event in the whole of the USA and dates all the way back to 1875. Beyond the history of the event, the passion for the race from the crowds is unmatched, and the purse. Which sits at $3 million (USD), is a huge draw for punters and horse lovers alike.
2. Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes, otherwise known as “The Test of the Champion”. It might not have the most impressive purse, sitting at $1.5 million (USD), but it is still one of the highest-attended racing events in the USA and had a baffling viewership of 21.9 million in 2004! It is especially popular when a Triple Crown title is up for grabs. This race stretches one and a half miles on dirt and challenges three-year-old colts to the best of their abilities.
3. Preakness Stakes
Following on from the Belmont Stakes is an event that is not to be missed—the Preakness Stakes, affectionately known as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans”. This race started in 1873 and takes place every third Saturday in May. It is the second leg of the US Triple Crown. Plus it is generally the second-highest attended Thoroughbred stakes race after the Kentucky Derby.
4. Gold Cup at Ascots
The Gold Cup at Ascots is recognised and respected as the oldest and most prestigious horse racing event at the Royal Ascot. This two-and-a-half mile race was designed to push those “stayers” to the best of their abilities, testing their stamina and strength. More than just the attraction of the equine talent is the chance for the public to mingle with royalty as the royal procession marks the start of the meeting. For punters in particular, the purse, which sits at $ 495,231 (USD), is a huge draw.
5. Breeders’ Cup
A horse-racing event that catches everyone’s attention is the Breeders’ Cup. Thanks to its sizeable purse of $6 million (USD). It was once the richest horse race globally. As well as the most attended after the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Preakness. This Grade 1 weight-for-age race for thoroughbreds from around the world is held on Saturday every November. Unlike the Gold Cup at Ascot’s and the Kentucky Derby, the venue rotates yearly.
6. Melbourne Cup
Racing is deeply set in the heart of Australia. So, it would make sense that one of the world’s most prestigious races is held “Down Under”—the annual Melbourne Cup. The 3,200m event is held every first Tuesday in November by the Victoria Racing Club at Flemington Racetrack. It is the main attraction of the four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival. This is not just one of the most famous Flemington races, but it is also the most famous horse race in all of Australia. If all the excitement that goes on during the four days wasn’t enough to capture the world’s attention, the staggering $ 6,021 million (USD) purse sure does.
7. The Everest
Another beauty of an Australian equine race is the Everest, which takes place every second or third Saturday in October—it’s one race that is not to be missed! Especially with its phenomenal purse, which sits at $11 290 million (USD), which makes it the richest race on turf! It might not have been around for as long as the Melbourne Cup, seeing as though its inaugural race was only in 2017, but the 1,200 metre weight-for-age race is worth diarising.
Looking for tips on the biggest races of the year?
Don’t leave it all up to luck! These highly anticipated races don’t just hold a huge reward for the breeders, jockeys and trainers. With all the attention they get, they also attract many punters around the globe. As much as the horses need to be at the top of their game, so do you if you want to win any of your bets. A key way to do this is to stay up to date with the latest horse racing tips. You can get all the best tips on events like the Melbourne Cup and other Flemington races, as well as the Kentucky Derby and The Everest, online on sites like Ladbrokes.com/
Final thoughts
Whether it be for the glamour and prestige of it all, or if you’re into winning a big bet. These top horse racing events are sure to impress and leave you feeling amazed. So, don’t miss out on the excitement and opportunities that these events present. Keep up to date with the information on the favourites, conditions, and the events in general to get the full experience of it all.
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