There is no sport that can boast the global reach of horse racing, with the action on track taking place in all four corners of the globe on a daily basis.
However, the attention from the average viewer of racing will be locked on the biggest races throughout the season, with standout events such as the Belmont Stakes, Grand National, and Ascot Gold Cup being watched by millions across the globe.
These also capture mainstream attention from a betting standpoint, with even those who don’t enjoy free horse racing bets opting to take their chance on a runner in the field. But, which locations should be on the bucket lists of the most avid horse racing fans?
Saratoga Race Course
It promises to be a huge two years for Saratoga Race Course, with the New York-based track set to stage the next two editions of the Belmont Stakes. The home of the final leg of the Triple Crown race is currently under renovation, which is very much to the gain of the Spa.
However, even without boasting the Triple Crown race on the schedule, Saratoga is a must-visit for all visitors. The track first welcomed visitors to the course in August 1863, and it is regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious tracks in North America.
In fact, Saratoga is the fourth oldest racecourse in the United States, and it continues to host some of the standout races on the calendar. The first Saratoga meet only last four days, but since 2010, it has been open for 40 race days throughout the season, with races taking place five days a week between July and September.
Traditionally, the Travers Stakes is the standout race on the calendar, but further big race days can be found in the forms of the Whitney Handicap and Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Epsom Downs
One of the most historic racecourses in the world can be found in the quant location of Surrey at Epsom, with Epsom Downs boasting one of the most important races on the international calendar.
The Derby is staged annually in June, and it typically has a long-standing impact on the breeding of potential champions across the planet. The racecourse was opened in 1661, with the first recorded race staged on the Downs. However, such is its impact that it’s unlikely that Derby races in the U.S., Germany, and France would likely not be involved on the racing schedule had it not been for Epsom opening its doors.
The Grade One racecourse has a maximum capacity of 130,000 people, with this attendance typically reached during the two-day Classic meeting at the start of June. As well as the Derby, the course also hosts the Oaks, which is run by fillies over the mile and four furlong distance.
Randwick Racecourse
For international travellers that are looking for a real bucket list experience, look no further that Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia. This world-famous track has been open for racing action since 1833, and it is owned by the Australian Turf Club.
Located in New South Wales, it boasts some of the best racing action Down Under, and visitors can enjoy the picturesque views of the backdrop of Sydney while taking in the action on track.
Randwick is also home to the most lucrative race on the Australian calendar, with The Everest taking place annually in October. Leading trainers will typically target this race, as it boasts a massive purse of $15 million.
As well as this, the track is home to The Championships, which is run as the season-ending meet in April with over AUD$20 million up for grabs in prize money. Featured races during this event include the Australian Derby and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Other standout events on the annual calendar include the Spring Carnival and the Sydney Carnival.
Greyville Racecourse
Horse racing is incredibly popular in South Africa, and there is no shortage of excellent tracks to visit within the country. However, one of the standout choices for international visitors is Greyville.
This track hosts turf racing throughout the year, and it was first opened to fans in July 1844. As well as hosting turf action, Greyville installed a ‘Polytrack’ in 2014 to host all-weather action. It is also an interesting track to visit for golf fans, with the Royal Durban Golf Championships being staged at the location annually.
The track is home to two of the most important races on the South African schedule, with the Durban July Handicap being staged in July, and the World Pool Gold Cup taking place in August. It is also one of the most celebrated tracks in the region, with Queen Elizabeth paying a visit to the course in 1947, before Queen Elizabeth II also visited in 1995.