Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world. The sport is also a very popular betting option. Watching the horses racing and cheering them on is an enjoyable activity. You ought to try it out at one of the best horse racing tracks. You visit the tracks and experience the fantastic feeling of cheering on a horse that you have placed your money on. Here are some of the best horse racing tracks in the world you should visit.
Aintree
This famous racecourse is owned by the Jockey Club. It was first opened on 7 July 1829. The course is located in Aintree, in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside, England. It has a National Hunt course. Aintree is widely known since it plays host to The Grand National meeting every year. This race is one of the most popular steeplechase competitions around the world. The racecourse also hosts other major competitions throughout the year. There are other horse race meetings held in May, June, October, November, and December.
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, California, United States. It is owned by the Stronach Group. It was opened on 25 December 1934. The prestigious racecourse has a thoroughbred flat racing course. The racecourse is known to offer some of the best horseraces in the United States. Some of the renowned races that take place here are the Santa Anita Handicap and the Santa Anita Derby. It has also played host to the Breeder’s Cup ten times. Santa Anita Park also plays host to other grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 horseraces.
Ascot
This is one of the most recognized racecourses in the United Kingdom. The racetrack is often used to host thoroughbred horseraces. It is currently owned by Ascot Racecourse Limited. The famous racecourse was opened on 11 August 1711. It is situated in Ascot, Berkshire, England. It is a Flat National Hunt course. This racecourse is known for hosting the most prestigious horseraces in Britain. The Gold Cup competition is the most renowned competition that is held here.
The Ascot Racecourse is one you should place on your wish list to experience the best thrills of horse racing. The racecourse also has a lot of events lined up throughout the year, making it difficult for you to miss a perfect period to attend a meeting. Other notable meetings at Ascot are the Royal Ascot, the British Champions Day and the Shergar Cup.
Flemington
This is a renowned horse racing venue situated in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This horse racing venue was opened in March 1840. It is owned by the Victoria Racing Club. Flemington Racecourse is famous for hosting the Melbourne Cup every year. It is one of the prestigious horseraces around the world. The race attracts the best of the best as it has a generous prize reward in its category. It is advisable to visit this racecourse during the Melbourne Cup to get the thrill of betting. There are also other essential races which you can choose to attend. These are the Victoria Derby, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, Emirates Stakes, Newmarket Handicap, and the Australian Cup.
Saratoga
This is one of the oldest race tracks in the United States. It was opened on 3 August 1863. It is located on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. It has a thoroughbred course. The New York-based racetrack is recognized for playing host to Whitney Handicap, the Alabama Stakes and the Travers Stakes. It is also known as a platform where famous horses lose competitions. It is fun to watch the horses race at Saratoga as the odds here are not always on the one with the best track record.
Cheltenham
It is situated at Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. The racecourse is currently under the ownership of the Jockey Club. It is the most famous National Hunt meeting ground around the world. This renowned racetrack lies on a 350-acre piece of land and can hold a capacity of about 67 000 people. Cheltenham Festival is the most prestigious horse racing meeting that is held at this racecourse. Some of the prestigious horseraces held in Cheltenham are the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Stayer’s Hurdle, Champion Hurdle, Ryanair Chase, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the International Hurdle.
Longchamp
It was opened in 1857. Longchamp Racecourse is currently under the ownership of France Gallop. It is located on Route des Tribunes, Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France. It is preferred for flat racing. This race track hosts more than half of the most prestigious horseraces in France. Longchamp Racetrack can hold a capacity of about 50 000 people. The racetrack is famous for playing host to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The race is usually held on the first weekend of October.
York
It is located in York, North Yorkshire, England. It is owned by the York Racecourse Knavesmire LLP. The racecourse plays host to three of the United Kingdom’s prestigious horseraces. It records attendance of about 350 000 people in a year. It is recognized for hosting the Ebor Festival and the Juddmonte International meeting. You should visit York to have a glance at some of the great races that take place during these meetings. Some of the great horse races held at the racecourse are the Juddmonte International Stakes, the Yorkshire Oaks, and the Nunthorpe Stakes.
Most of these tracks are famous for the ambiance that exists in them during races. At Cheltenham, for instance, a lovely social atmosphere can be felt over the four days of the competition. Other activities at the tracks besides racing are also attractive. Many have betting areas and restaurants where attendees can relax. If you happen to be in the area of one of these tracks, attending the races there would be a great idea at any time.