The 10 Most Important Horse Races in the World

For all horse enthusiasts these are the must-see events, as are celebrities and famous people who line up to watch these races.

It may sound a little brutal to hear, but horse racing is the largest gambling portal in the world, also frequented by multimillion-dollar characters from different countries.

As is well known, some famous horse races are also gala events, which include weekends where many celebrities from the international jet set meet. Even Dubai, in the heart of ‘ Islam where gambling is forbidden, is home to one of the biggest events of the year of horse racing.

But to get a complete picture of the 10 most important and richest horse races in the world, here’s what to know …

PREAKNESS STAKES (prize pool: $ 1.5 million)

This race dates back to 1873 and is held every third Saturday in May in Baltimore, Maryland. The track is approximately 2 kilometers long and the race typically finishes within 2 minutes, with the fastest recorded time of 1:53:00 (1973). It is the second most important horse racing event in the United States, after the Kentucky Derby.

NAKAYAMA GRAND JUMP (prize pool: $ 1.7 million)

Japan’s most prestigious horse race is the Nakayama Grand Jump, held in April each year, since its inception in 1999, at the famous Nakayama Race Course. This is an extremely challenging show jumping competition, with sharp turns, jumps, inclines and declines to test competitors’ limits.

KENTUCKY DERBY (prize pool: $ 3 million)

It is one of the most famous sporting events in the world. It takes place on the first Saturday of May each year and is the most prestigious stage of the United States Triple Crown Of Thoroughbred Racing.

PEGASUS WORLD CUP (prize money: $ 3 million)

The first edition of 2017 had a prize pool of $ 12 million, a figure that placed it as the richest race in the world. The event was aimed at revolutionizing the gambling industry and beating the Middle East in organizing horse racing events. However, apart from the 2017 edition, the prize pool for this competition has gradually dropped to only $ 3 million in 2020. It takes place annually in Florida ( United States ).

JAPAN CUP (prize pool: $ 4.6 million)

The most prestigious horse race in Southeast Asia is the Japan Cup, a thoroughbred horse race on grass. The race is held on the last Sunday of November each year in Tokyo and is inaugurated by the Japanese Prime Minister.

THE ARC (prize money: $ 5 million)

It is one of the most prestigious events in the world of horse racing. Held at the Longchamp racecourse in Paris, this historic event dates back to 1920 and is held on the first weekend of October each year.

BREEDER’S CUP (prize money: $ 1 to $ 6 million per race)

Opened in 1984, the event takes place annually on famous circuits across the United States. There are a total of 13 races within the event and the combined prize pool is $ 28 million. The two most important races of this world championship are the Breeder’s Cup Turf and the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

MELBOURNE CUP (prize money: $ 5.4 million)

The event opened way back in 1861 and is well attended by celebrities and sports stars . Spectators are required to wear special hats and participate in a famous competition ( Fashions On The Field ) which judges the most well-dressed men and women of the event.

ROYAL ASCOT (prize pool: $ 10.4 million)

It is by far the most formal horse racing event in the world. It dates back to 1711 and was founded by the then Queen Anne. The event is hosted by the British royal family, with all prominent members arriving in horse-drawn carriages. The dress code for the occasion is strictly formal, with women having a day dress accompanied by a hat, while men must be dressed in a black or gray suit with a top hat.

DUBAI WORLD CUP (prize money: $ 12 million)

It is the richest horse race in the world. Inaugurated in 1996 by the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai World Cup is just one of the competitions of the Dubai World Cup Night Event (all together boasting a prize pool of $ 27 million). This race attracts the biggest names in the world of sport, politics and cinema and is a very important gala event.