By Sean Chaffin
Horse racing is a glamorous sport worldwide, and people visit famous racecourses to watch the best compete. These, including Churchill Downs and Meydan Racecourse, are known for their elegance. Visitors often dress up and enjoy the social scene as well as dining and drinking. Here are the top 10 famous horse racing courses in the world.
The largest horse racing track in the United States is Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky. It opened in 1875 and can hold up to 165,000 people. Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby, as well as other prestigious races like the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Down Stakes, and Turf Classic Stakes. It has also hosted the Breeders’ Cup nine times.
Facility spans 147 acres and has a dirt racetrack that is one mile long and a seven-furlong turf racecourse. Churchill Downs is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the signature Twin Spires atop the grandstands. There have been several renovations over the years, such as the installation of an ultra-high-definition video board in 2013. Guests can enjoy luxurious suites, a grandstand, and a beautiful clubhouse. There are also options for fine dining and shopping. Additionally, visitors can explore the state-of-the-art Kentucky Derby Museum.
Epsom Downs is a race track located in Epsom, England, often referred to as the Downs. Race enthusiasts consider it the top track in England for Thoroughbred racing. It has the capacity to hold 130,000 people. The race track has a long history as the first race was held there in 1661, making it one of the oldest race tracks. The course is owned by the Jockey Club, and it has strong connections with the Royal Family. The Queen regularly attends the most famous race held at the course, the Derby Stakes. The racecourse also hosts other G1 races including the Oak Stakes and the Coronation Cup.
Racetrack has a distinct U shape, unlike the usual oval-shaped tracks. This requires horses to descend from the top of the hill and take a sharp left turn, followed by a straight route downhill. The track mostly slopes downward for the last half mile, but the final 100-yard stretch demands horses to run uphill.
Public racetrack in England, which means anyone can watch the races without paying. There are food options available, but you can also bring your own food and alcohol as long as it’s within the designated areas of the racecourse. Also right on the spot you can bet via the internet at 1xBet Indian live casino on your favorite horse or the fastest horse and win money for a good time and fast money transfer to your bank card.
Flemington Racecourse, situated in Flemington, Australia, is a renowned racetrack that has been hosting races since 1840. It has a capacity of 130,000 people and is famous for hosting some of the most prestigious G1 races such as the Melbourne Cup, Australian Cup, Victoria Derby, Turnbull Stakes, and VRC Oaks. The racecourse also organizes steeplechase races.
Flemington Racecourse has a pear-shaped track with a 1200 meter straight section known as “The Straight Six” course. The track’s total distance is about 1 ½ miles and all races run in a counter-clockwise direction. Recently, Flemington Racecourse was added to the Australian National Heritage List and underwent renovations in 2000 and 2018. The upgrades included opening a new member’s grandstand, which features dining options, a racing club, and a rooftop garden.
Racecourse, situated in Fuchu, Japan, was built in 1933 and is presently the largest horse racing track globally, accommodating up to 223,000 people. Known as the “racecourse of racecourses” in Japan’s horse racing, it hosts several G1 races like the Yasuda Kinen, Tokyo Yushun, and Japan Cup under the Asian Mile Challenge. The racecourse features both flat and steeplechase horse races.
The Tokyo Racecourse has a grass course over 1 ¼ miles with five course options and a dirt course of 1 ⅛ miles. It also has a steeplechase course of just over a mile. The course underwent renovations in 2007 and now has the world’s largest video screen. You can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji to the southwest while watching horse races. Besides racing, the venue also has dining, fine artwork, and a playground for children.
Racecourse, located in the charming town of Ascot, England, is a popular venue for G1 horse races. It features three G1 jumps races as well. The place attracts around 600,000 visitors annually, which makes up 10% of all racegoers within the United Kingdom.
In 1711, Queen Anne established the course, believing that it was ideal for horses to gallop at full speed. The facility has a capacity of up to 70,000 people.
Royal Ascot, the most prestigious horse race in the United Kingdom, takes place at Ascot today. The Queen and other members of the Royal Family attend this four-day racing event. The racecourse is also home to other noteworthy races such as the Shergar Cup, Ascot Chase, and QIPCO British Champions Day.
Racing facility that has a triangular grass track spanning a distance of fourteen furlongs. The track includes a run-in of 2½ furlongs and a straight mile course. The Old mile course connects with the round course in Swinley Bottom. Apart from offering great racing experience, Ascot provides private boxes and fine dining options.
Aintree Racecourse, which opened in 1829, is situated near Liverpool, England. It has a capacity of up to 75,000 people and is widely regarded as one of the most historic horse racing tracks in the UK. The venue is best known for hosting the Grand National, the most famous steeplechase in the world, which covers a distance of four miles and 514 yards. Aintree Racecourse also stages other prominent races like the Liverpool Hurdle and Melling Chase.
Aintree, there are two grass courses: the Grand National course and the Mildmay steeplechase course. The triangular Grand National course is around two miles and two furlongs in length and has 16 jumps, including three open ditches and a water jump. The oval Mildmay steeplechase course is one mile and three furlongs long. Additionally, Aintree offers excellent hospitality with various fine dining options and private boxes.
Aratoga is a historic horse racing track that dates back to 1863 and has the capacity to accommodate 50,000 people. Over the years, it has been a popular destination for many visitors. Saratoga is also well-known for hosting the oldest major Thoroughbred race in the United States, the Travers Stake, as well as other prestigious races like the Whitney Stakes and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Saratoga hosts not only flat races, but also harness racing and steeplechases on its three courses. The dirt main course is 1 1/8 miles, the turf course is one mile, and the steeplechase course is 7/8 mile. The venue is nicknamed ‘The Spa’ because of the nearby natural mineral springs, and has been rated highly by Sports Illustrated magazine. Seating options include the grandstand, clubhouse, and picnic tables, and dining facilities are available in the venue.
Anita Park is a picturesque horse racing track situated in Arcadia, California. The track opened in 1907 and has a capacity of 80,000 people. Unfortunately, the first Santa Anita Park closed in 1909 and later burned down in 1912. Thankfully, the track was rebuilt a few blocks away from the original location and reopened on Christmas Day in 1934.
Anita is a popular venue for top horse racing events, such as the Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita Handicap, and American Oaks. It has hosted the Breed in the past. There are different types of tracks, including a one-mile natural dirt main track and a 0.9-mile turf course. There is also a hillside turf track that can be adjusted to accommodate races of various distances.
The Grandstand at Santa Anita Park has a distinct art deco style. Additionally, there are various amenities available including a clubhouse, suites, and multiple restaurants. Visitors can also take a free Seabiscuit tour to see exclusive areas of the park.
Meydan Racecourse, which opened in Dubai, UAE in 2010, has rapidly gained worldwide fame as a luxurious racetrack. With a seating capacity of over 60,000 spectators, it hosts some of the world’s most lucrative horse races such as the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Golden Shaheen, and Dubai Sheema Classic. Competitors come from all corners of the world to participate in these races. Apart from Thoroughbred racing, Meydan Racecourse also features Arabian horse racing.
Eydan offers visitors both a dirt track and a turf track. The dirt track is slightly over a mile in length and the turf track is approximately 1 ½ miles long. Additionally, Meydan offers a training course that features an all-weather track and turf track. This racetrack is known for its glamor and includes the world’s first five-star trackside hotel. Visitors of the hotel can watch the races from their rooms. The grandstand contains top-notch restaurants, a theater, a gallery, and a racing museum.
Historic Longchamp Racecourse is a stunning racetrack situated in Paris, France. It has been around since 1857 and has the capacity to host up to 50,000 individuals. Longchamp is famous for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which is one of the most esteemed races globally, and Europe’s wealthiest horse race. Competitors from all over come here to participate in this race. Additionally, the racecourse also hosts over 50% of all the G1 races in France.
Champ has four turf tracks in different sizes: the big turf track, which is 2,750 meters long; the medium-sized turf track, which is 2,500 meters long; the new turf track, which is 1,400 meters long; and the small turf track, which is 2,150 meters long. In addition to these tracks, Longchamp also has a modern grandstand with boxes and suites. The racecourse is situated beside the Seine river, providing spectators with stunning views of the surroundings while watching the world’s fastest horses race.
Horse racing is a popular and exciting sport that draws in people from all over the world. The 10 most famous horse racing tracks featured here are some of the best venues to witness this thrilling spectacle. From historic Churchill Downs to luxurious Meydan Racecourse, these racetracks offer unforgettable experiences for spectators with their grandstands, private boxes, dining options, and stunning views. So if you’re looking for an exhilarating day out or want to experience one of the most prestigious events in sports history, be sure to check out any of these iconic racecourses!
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