Ranking of the Top Horse Racing Venues Globally
Top 10 Famous Horse Racing Tracks Around the World
Horse racing is a global phenomenon, with some tracks becoming iconic due to their historic significance, premier international races, large prize purses, or unique traditions. Here are ten of the most famous horse racing tracks in the world:
- Churchill Downs (Louisville, USA) - Home of the Kentucky Derby, part of the American Triple Crown, this mile dirt oval track with a turf track on the inside is a must-visit for any horse racing enthusiast.
- Ascot Racecourse (Ascot, UK) - Known for Royal Ascot, a major British social and racing event, Ascot is the zenith of British equine activities. The horses at this track race against the backdrop of the stunning British countryside, with the stiff uphill finish from Swinley Bottom making any race on the round course particularly challenging.
- Longchamp Racecourse (Paris, France) - Hosting the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe’s richest turf race, Longchamp is famous for its false home stretches, increasing the emphasis on equine stamina.
- Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, USA) - Celebrated for its history and regarded as one of the world’s greatest sporting venues, Saratoga Race Course has 16 Grade 1 races throughout the year, including the Travers Stakes and Whitney Handicap.
- Newmarket Racecourse (Newmarket, UK) - Regarded as the home of flat racing, Newmarket is home to multiple key races, including the 2000 Guineas.
- Epsom Downs Racecourse (Epsom, UK) - Site of the Epsom Derby, one of Britain’s Classic Races, Epsom Downs' track twists and turns, including the famous bend at Tattenham Corner.
- Kentucky Downs (Franklin, USA) - Notable for turf racing and sizable purses, Kentucky Downs is a popular destination for horse racing fans.
- Melbourne Cup Track - Flemington Racecourse (Melbourne, Australia) - Known for the Melbourne Cup, “the race that stops a nation,” Flemington is the jewel in the Victoria Racing Club’s crown.
- Tokyo Racecourse (Tokyo, Japan) - Hosting major Japanese races like the Japan Cup, Tokyo Racecourse can accommodate more than 220,000 horse racing fans.
- Belmont Park (Elmont, USA) - Home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, Belmont Park is a significant destination for horse racing fans worldwide.
In addition to these famous tracks, Cheltenham Racecourse (UK) for jump racing and Turffontein Racecourse (South Africa) noted in the South African Triple Crown series are also globally recognized. Meydan, located in Meydan City, Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE, is another notable track, hosting the Dubai World Cup, Dubai Gold Cup, and Sheema Classic.
These world-class horse racing tracks showcase the global nature of top-level horse racing, with venues from the US, UK, France, Australia, Japan, and South Africa all represented.
- On the blog, one could find detailed articles about the popular Churchill Downs in Louisville, USA, the iconic venue for the Kentucky Derby.
- For fans of racing sports, a visit to the prestigious Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, UAE, a host of the Dubai World Cup, would be an exciting addition to any horse-racing enthusiast's travel itinerary.
