The World’s Most Prestigious Horse Races
Horse races are a spectacle that have captured the hearts of millions of people around the world for centuries. They are the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and tradition. In the spirit of the illustrious sport, OLBG dives into the most prestigious and celebrated horse races in the world and analyzes them through five distinct criteria to rank each one. Read on to discover which iconic race takes the crown as the pinnacle of equine excellence!
1. The Triple Crown
The Triple Crown is the most prestigious event in horse racing. It is a feat that only the best of the best can achieve. While some have tried and failed, others have succeeded with flying colors. One such horse was Canonero II, a long shot who won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in 1971.
2. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
This Group 1 weight-for-age flat race is a prestigious event that is held in late October or early November at Longchamp Racecourse, Paris. Its 1.5-mile course attracts the best middle-distance horses in the world, and its prize fund is a whopping $6.3 million.
3. The Belmont Stakes
In the summer of 2002, an amazing bay filly called Zenyatta was in the midst of her quest for a record-setting Triple Crown. However, she faced an insurmountable obstacle at the Belmont Stakes when her rival, War Emblem, stumbled at the start. This allowed Zenyatta to take a commanding lead, and she went on to win the Belmont by more than two lengths.
4. The Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby is a famous horse race that has been held in England since the 17th century. It is a prestigious race that features some of the best British and Irish thoroughbreds. It is the longest of all the major flat horse races in the world, and it has the highest betting handle of any race.
5. The Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is the most prestigious horse race in Australia. It is held annually in the fall at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. The race is known for its high stakes and huge crowds. In addition, the race is broadcast to over 600 million people worldwide. In fact, it is the second most-watched horse race on television after the Triple Crown. The Melbourne Cup also has the most prestigious prize money of any horse race in the world. The winner of the Melbourne Cup receives a bonus of $1 million. This makes the race an extremely lucrative event for owners and jockeys. The newest race to join the list is the Everest in Sydney, Australia. It is the richest turf race in the world, and it features some of the most wealthy owners in the world.