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What Are The Best Horse Racing Events, Meetings & Festivals

Steven D. Thompson
Author: Steven D. Thompson

Updated: 11/10/2024 11:21 AM

Every year, there are several horse racing festivals and meetings that take place around the world. These major events bring many of the best horses from various locations to compete for a chance to claim prizes of varying amounts. 


These racing festivals are legendary events that give racehorses and jockeys/riders a chance to engrave their name in the history of these festivals. Although there are some racing fans that travel to various countries to be a part of these events in the world during the horse racing calendar, many spectators choose to be physically present at only the biggest events within their countries. 


If you are wondering what is the best horse racing event among the selection of festivals available around the world, here is a list of the best festivals Betpack compiled for you.

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Table of Contents

    The Dubai World Cup

    There is a lot to love about the Dubai World Cup. One of the significant features of this event is the large prize pool. The horse races take place in the Meydan Racecourse and is a grade 1 flat race. 

    There are several races leading up to World Cup night. These races are held between January to early March, while the final race usually occurs on the last Saturday in March. Over the history of the Dubai World Cup, several final races have occurred on other days of the week.

    The Meydan racecourse has a surfaceal for a flat race and a 2,000m distance that horses must complete to win the race. The winner of the race in 2000 holds the record for the fastest finish after completing the race in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 50 seconds. 

    The Pegasus World Cup

    This racing event takes place in Florida, USA, and is among the most expensive and biggest racing events in the world. The event has both turf and tracks and is open to horses aged four and above. Racehorse owners have the option to purchase an entry to the event, which takes place at the Gulfstream Park Racetrack. 

    Royal Ascot

    This is a five-day event that takes place in June. The venue of the event is the Ascot Racecourse, and spectators get a chance to see the Queen and the royal family during the royal procession that takes place during the event. It is a combination of a social and horse racing event that many people make sure to attend every year. 

    Due to the nature of the meeting, there are certain traditions that participants need to follow during the Royal Ascot. It is a flat racing event that features horses from various parts of the world, including the UK and Europe. 

    Breeders Cup

    Unlike many other meetings or festivals with a fixed location, the Breeders Cup takes place in different locations each year. It was originally run in a day but is now run as a two-day event in November. During the event, horse races on and turf for male and female horses are hosted. 

    Participants in the Breeders Cup include many of the best horses in the United States and other entrants from outside the country. There are several qualifying races held to admit horses into various events of the Breeders Cup. 

    Kentucky Derby

    This is one of the three biggest US races, including other meetings such as the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes. The Kentucky Derby takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, and serves as the first leg of the US Triple Crown. 

    The racecourse measures 1.25 miles, and it takes around two minutes to complete. About 80,000 spectators usually visit the Churchill Downs to witness the Kentucky Derby. A popular nickname for this event is the “Run for the Roses” since the winners’ horse is decorated with a garland made from roses. 

    The Preakness Stakes

    The Preakness Stakes takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, and it is the second leg of the US Triple Crown. Individuals who want to enjoy this race have a chance to purchase tickets to secure a place on the infield or pay for a higher ticket that gives access to the Grand Concourse. 

    The event takes place at the Pimlico Racecourse, with the winner getting a grand silver trophy, a blanket made from Black-Eyed Susans, and a Woodlawn Vase. 

    Belmont Stakes

    This is one of many events horse racing fans look forward to. Most people mark the date for this event on their racing calendar to ensure they don’t miss out on the final leg and biggest race of the Triple Crown. This event hosts a one and half mile race that is more challenging than the first and second leg of the Triple Crown.

    Grand National Grand National

    Grand National

    The Grand National is an early season event that is held at the Aintree Racecourse every year. It is the most popular Steeplechase event in the world and a popular option that can be found at online bookmakers rating. Participants who want to join the Grand National and Cheltenham have a chance to do so since there is an interval of about a month, allowing horses to rest. 

    Cheltenham

    The Cheltenham Festival is regarded as the best world horse racing event. This British horse racing festival takes place at the Cheltenham Racecourse and consists of 28 races with varying distances, making it great for both chasers and hurdlers. The Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle are the most prestigious events of the festival. 

    The Cheltenham Festival hosts most of the Grade 1 races and competitive handicaps of the Jumps season in Britain. 

    Melbourne Cup

    The Melbourne Cup is another top horse racing event in the world that is a perfect choice for horse race betting. It is an international horse racing festival that takes place on a 3,200-meter racetrack. If you decide to go as a spectator, you should prepare to follow the dress code, which includes customary hats. 

    In addition to the racing event, celebrity judges are present to oversee the Fashions on the Field competition. It takes place on the Flemington Racecourse, and the prize purse is about $5,300,00. 

    Epsom Derby

    This event takes place at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England. In terms of prize money, this is the largest event on the British racing calendar. It has a prize pot of about £1.125 million.

    On certain occasions, British royalty makes an appearance at the Epsom Derby. 

    What Are The Best Horse Racing Events, Meetings & Festivals What Are The Best Horse Racing Events, Meetings & Festivals

    How to Make Money as a Racehorse Owner

    Racehorse owners often make money from winning races, but this isn’t always the case. There are other excellent methods to earn decent money from your racehorses, such as:

    1

    Making Money Breeding

    Common ways of making money as a breeder include selling the offspring of your horse through breeders awards and standing a stallion at stud. This option is open to horses that retire.

    2

    Offering support services

    As a racehorse owner, having a paddock or barn close to racetracks can be lucrative. During horse racing festivals, you can lease your facilities to other horse owners participating in the races. You also have the option to let injured horses stay in your facility as they heal.

    3

    Make money through pinhooking

    Pinhooking refers to purchasing young horses and selling them later for a profit. To resell the horses, you need to train them for a while.

    If you are a horse racing enthusiast and not a racehorse owner, but still want to make money from horse races, you can check our accumulator calculator.

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