Many sports betting fans consider the UK to be the epicentre of horse racing, and we agree. Millions of horse racing enthusiasts travel to the UK every year to see live horse races since the country hosts some of the most renowned and well-liked horse races in the world and the racing calendar.
Those who are unable to attend the events closely monitor the daily horse racing outcomes and watch them live on streaming platforms. Horse racing offers a distinct thrill and excitement if there’s one thing it can provide you. And to top it all off, there are plenty of exciting races on the British National Hunt Calendar that you simply must not miss. Having said that, we decided to present you with a list of the UK’s most famous horse racing events. Since these races are the pinnacle of the sport, you cannot afford to miss them, even if you are new to the sport.
Grand National
Arguably one of the most famous and perhaps the most watched horse racing events in the UK, the Grand National is seen as the Wimbledon of hunt racing. Of the two, the Grand National is the more well-liked by the general betting public and is the Cheltenham Gold Cup’s main rival. The Liverpool racetrack, Aintree, has been the home of the event since 1839. With a prize fund of £1 million, it is the richest single-event competition.
This prestigious chase is an intense endurance competition. There are over 30 fences along a route that is more than two kilometres long. The Grand National is viewed by 500 million people worldwide since its founding in 1839. The horses jump over thirty obstacles in this handicap steeplechase, which is conducted over four miles and two and a half furlongs. The Grand National is held in April each year.
Royal Ascot
The Royal Ascot is an event which takes place in June every year and is centred around glitz, style, and the presence of celebrities. Taking place since 1839, this flat race has one of the world’s greatest prize pools. A total of 500 horses compete throughout the five days of the Royal Ascot event, which is broadcast to over 200 nations. In 2019, the prize money at Royal Ascot reached £7.3 million. The public can access three of the four enclosures at Royal Ascot, which are the Royal Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure, the Windsor Enclosure and the Village Enclosure.
Except for the Windsor Enclosure, all of these enclosures have strict dress rules. The Royal Enclosure has the most strict dress code of all.
Cheltenham Festival
Different views exist about the most important National Hunt race. Fences present a difficult task for the jumpers over the three miles and two furlongs of the Gold Cup course. Many of the best horses in the sport have come from the previous winners’ list, and success can also offer some advice for the Grand National, which is held the following month.
Golden Miller was the most successful Cheltenham winner ever. Along with its important races, the live atmosphere of the Cheltenham Festival is one of its most famous features. It’s also one of the richest horse races, with the prize money surpassed only by that of the Grand National. 28 races are held at Cheltenham from Tuesday through Friday every year in March. This four-day event, which takes place at the Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, UK, is renowned for drawing in millions of punters from all over the world. The following are a few noteworthy races:
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
- Champion Hurdle
- Stayers’ Hurdle
- Spa Novices’ Hurdle
- Cheltenham Gold Cup
- Queen Mother Champion Chase
- Stayers’ Hurdle
Epsom Derby – Epsom Downs Racecourse
To start with, there is the Epsom Derby, sometimes referred to as “The Derby,” which was founded in 1780. Every year in June, the Epsom Derby takes place. Three-year-old colts and fillies are eligible to compete in this event, which is held at Surrey’s own Epsom Downs racecourse.
The prize money is well over £1 million, of which half goes to the winner, this is the wealthiest flat race in the United Kingdom. Adrian O’Brian is the top trainer at this course with eight victories, while Lester Piggot is the top jockey with nine. Derby Day, a 1952 drama film, is centred around the Epsom Derby, which has grown to be a significant event in British horse racing history and the horse racing calendar.
Before enjoying incredible careers, some of the top class names in flat racing have claimed victories here. Famous winners include Desert Crown, Adayar, Serpentine and Golden Horn. These are just a few of the biggest names which have won this prestigious event.
Other Important Horse Racing Events
The events and competitions on our list are the ultimate test for the top horses in the UK and internationally. It’s quite a spectacle that brings in millions and visitors each year to the UK. The ones we mentioned above are just a small part of the major horse races that exist, but there are many more to appreciate all year round.
Some of the other biggest races held in the United Kingdom include the St Leger, the King George VI Chase, the Epsom Oaks, the Champions Stakes, the 1,000 Guineas, and the 2,000 Guineas. There are always exciting events to look forward to because horse racing occurs on 364 days of the year.
