This post was written by Ralph Starks, a blogger and traveler who enjoys exploring the world in the best ways possible.
Here’s a little secret. The best horse racing events in the world aren’t really about which animal finishes first.
Yes, the race itself is what generates hundreds of billions of dollars worldwide. It’s why people gather, but what most in the audience are really looking for is an experience.
Many people are very surprised to learn that events like the Kentucky Derby, or for that matter, any race, last for less than 120 seconds. Is that really what draws hundreds of thousands of people to Louisville every year? Of course not.
Fans in the stands want to be part of something. The cultural experience, the luxury accommodations, the excitement. Those are the things on offer at the most spectacular horse racing destinations in the world.
Let’s take a look at venues that are genuinely worth your time and attention.
Overview
What is our criteria? There are literally thousands of racetracks all over the world. What makes a venue worthy of inclusion on a limited list like the one you’re reading right now?
While it’s debatable what details account for the very best horse racing venues, we decided to focus on a combination of the type of experience the location delivers, as well as its pedigree and history.
If you look at websites like this one, you’ll find races happening all over the world: https://www.twinspires.com/200-signup/
Most of them are worth your time and attention if you’re a fan of the sport, but at the same time, it would be impossible, or at least not practical, to visit every track.
What we’ve got for you today is nothing short of the best of the best. Let’s take a look.
Churchill Downs
Obviously, it would have been absurd to make a list of the best horse racing venues in the world and not include the home of the Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs was founded in the 19th century and began hosting prestigious events almost immediately. The Derby itself is the biggest draw. In fact, it’s the most-watched horse racing event in the world, attracting a global audience of approximately 20 million people.
Every year, more than 150,000 people head to Louisville to watch the event in person. If you have a big budget and a healthy patience for chaos, that could be a good option for you.
On the other hand, if you’re okay with skipping all the fanfare, you can still visit and even tour this historic location nearly all year round. Churchill Downs holds races throughout the summer, all of which are more affordable and accessible than the Derby.
It’s a great way to visit the most famous location in horse racing without spending so much money that you might have to postpone your eventual retirement.
Royal Ascot
Churchill Downs is indeed the most famous track in the world, but fans of racing often consider Royal Ascot the very pinnacle of the sport, at least over in Europe.
The event has been held for more than 300 years and to this day serves as a centerpiece of the English social season. It’s held in June at Ascot Racecourse and takes place over five days of festivity.
Like Churchill Downs, Ascot Racecourse is open all year round. However, if you have the chance to go during Royal Ascot, you certainly should.
Not only is it the pinnacle of English high society’s summer social calendar, but it is also just a genuinely unique racing experience. Each day of the event begins with a royal procession. If you’re interested in seeing literal monarchs on parade in full finery, this is your chance.
Flemington
Flemington Racetrack is home to the Melbourne Cup. The Melbourne Cup is known, both in Australia and abroad, as the race that stops a nation.
Millions of Australians tune in every year, to the point that widespread productivity sometimes ceases.
Though this event does not quite have the history of the last two we’ve described, it has been around for more than 150 years and continues to serve as one of the most important races in the world.
Honorable Mention
We’d need a lot more space to fully do the topic of prestigious racetracks justice. The three featured above are, beyond serious dispute, the most famous in the world. However, there are many more worth your time and attention.
Some are growing in fame, for example, Dubai. Others are simply enjoyable destinations in their own right. If you want an extremely pleasant family outing oriented, at least partially, around horse racing, you’ll have a good experience in places like the Finger Lakes, where natural beauty and high levels of activity combine for a pleasant vacation experience.
There are lots of great tracks out there, all of which are worth taking a trip to.
