Horse racing is a sport that dates back thousands of years and from a sport that once was saturated in certain regions, now it is a global sport where horse racing enthusiasts can easily find thrilling races on every continent.
However, if you are a die-hard fan of the sport, you probably want the best of the best.
This means that you should look for a city where horse racing is heavily embedded into its history roots.
This inspired us to do some research and find cities where horse racing is as big as religion. Such cities often offer highly-competitive races that draw thousands of spectators every year. You can learn more about horse racing odds on TwinSpires’ website.
So, if you are a horse racing fan, here are some cities that you should visit if you want incredible horse racing action.
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Many people consider Louisville Kentucky to be the horse racing capital of the world just because of the Kentucky Derby, which is one of the most popular races in the world.
This vibrant city is home to the legendary Churchill Downs, where the prestigious Kentucky Derby is held annually. Each year, more than 150.000 spectators go through the gates of Churchill Downs, eager to witness the birth of a new Triple Crown champion.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and electric atmosphere of this iconic race, where tradition meets modern excitement.
But it is not all about the races!
Beyond the races, Louisville offers a charming Southern ambiance, delightful cuisine, and a chance to explore the Kentucky Horse Park – a must-visit for any true equestrian enthusiast.
Melbourne, Australia
It seems like cities that have a popular race with rich history often become horse racing epicenters, and the same is with down under, Melbourne, Australia.
For all those who don’t know, Melbourne is home to the renowned Melbourne Cup, held at the historic Flemington Racecourse and attracts thousands of spectators every year.
Known as “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup offers not only thrilling racing action but also a chance to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Melbourne. Soak in the city’s art, music, and culinary delights, and don’t forget to explore the picturesque Yarra Valley for some wine tasting amidst beautiful vineyards.
London, United Kingdom
Often regarded as the birthplace of horse racing, London is definitely a city that should be on every horse racing enthusiast’s bucket list.
Apart from the many races held regularly every year, the Royal Ascot is one of the crowned jewels of the city.
Ascot Racecourse, known for the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting, exudes elegance and tradition. Join in the celebrations with the royals and fashionistas while witnessing top-class racing action.
On top of that, there are more than 50 racecourses scattered around London, which makes it one of the cities with most races held annually in the world.
So, there is plenty for horse racing enthusiasts to explore!
Hong Kong, China
In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, horse racing is a way of life. The Happy Valley Racecourse and Sha Tin Racecourse are the city’s racing hubs, offering electrifying race days that bring the city to life.
One of the main attractions in Hong Kong is the Longines Hong Kong International races, which bring thousands of spectators every year.
Apart from horse racing, you get to experience Asian culture and enjoy some delicious food.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Even though all of the cities we highlighted so far have long history with horse racing, we have some like Dubai with emerging horse racing culture that quickly became a must-go location for horse racing enthusiasts.
The Meydan Racecourse is a marvel of modern architecture, hosting the illustrious Dubai World Cup – one of the world’s richest horse races. This glamorous event attracts elite horses, jockeys, and spectators from every corner of the globe.
One of the quickest developing cities also invests a lot of money into sports, including horse racing. This means that you’ll experience state-of-the-art facilities, and also indulge in the city’s luxurious lifestyle.
Dubai might not be the city where you can learn a lot about horse racing history, but it is definitely a place where you can experience some incredible horse racing action.