Horse racing has been one of the biggest sports enjoyed across multiple cultures for hundreds of years. As the years have gone by, so has its popularity. Did you know that horse racing constitutes one of the most enjoyed sports globally? While predominantly for horse betting than the sport itself, that certainly does say something.
Within this article, we will be overlooking the different types of horse races all over the world, and should you find yourself inspired and wanting a little gambling action for yourself, make sure you head your way over to horsebetting.com.
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a race that takes place every May annually. Since 1875, it has been held religiously every single year without fail. The race takes place within the Churchill Down race track within Lexington, Kentucky.
The track itself spans around 1 1/4, and consists entirely of dirt. While the race is always referred to as the Run for the Roses, it sees many hopeful trainers from all over, wanting to compete and become legends of the Kentucky Derby. It is the Triple Crown, and $3 million, that is the prize and goal for all competitors. This race is the most watched around all of the USA, and one of the top races all over the world.
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is another race that takes place in May, at the Pimlico Racecourse within Baltimore, Maryland. Just like the Derby, this race track has a large history behind it. In fact, it has run since 1873 and was nicknamed as the Run for the Black-Eyed Susan’s. This race has many traditions and one of which is the Naval Academy performing at the race, before the events commence.
The track itself is 1 mile and 3/16 miles long, making it shorter than the Derby, also taking place on a dirt track. This race constitutes one of the components to take the entire Triple Crown. However, the prize money is significantly less, at $1 million. Once the winner is declared, the race track is then decorated with the colors of the winner, to celebrate the success and resilience within the race.
Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is another massively huge race within the US. Located within New York, the Belmont Park race track is 1 ½ miles long, and again like the others mentioned above, is entirely a dirt race track. This race track is the true example of speed and stamina, being significantly longer than others in the US, it tests every ounce of physical endurance that a horse can have. Nicknames as the Run for Carnations race, this is the last race that contributes towards the Triple Crown win. Should all races be secured by one competitor, there is still a separate $1.5 million to be taken as prize money, to commemorate the champion who managed to overcome such an exhilarating race.
Breeders Cup
The Breeders Cup World Championship is a series of races that require grade I thoroughbred horses. The races commence over a spread of two days, with the final always taking place within November. While this race is not as old as the other race tracks mentioned above, the first-ever race took place in 1984, within California. It was deemed a world championship by the organisers, and thus since then, it has been made a tradition to continuously take place across different locations in the US.
The horses that participate need to have a nomination to be able to actually compete, so in that sense it can be quite elite. The horse selection is made as either a selection to win, or be a part of the 14 races in total that take place over the two days. This series of races gives winners combined prize money of $25.5 million, which is much larger than other event associations. Due to its prestigious reputation, attendees and spectators will always come wearing the best and most fashion-forward attire. It is one of the most fashion-conscious race events.
Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is another prestigious race that takes place within Melbourne Australia. It is the most famous horse race within all of Australia, having thousands of visitors each and every year, coming to watch in attendance. The race takes place within Flemington. The race has simultaneously taken place as a tradition since 1861, and due to the track being over two miles long, all horses that participate need to have the best stamina to endure such great lengths. The turf track has racers running in a counter-clockwise direction.
The winner of this race is able to go home with a trophy made out of 1.65 kg of 18-carat gold, in addition to the $8 million prize award.
