Horse racing has been around for centuries, and today it remains one of the most popular sporting activities around the world. In this modern racing day, there are races that range from smaller weekend events to prestigious horse racing tournaments that are worth millions of dollars.
When it comes to online sports betting, horse racing is undoubtedly near the top of the charts, and the luxury events are attended by thousands of spectators. There are several world-class events that take place globally throughout the year, and it’s important to know which races to keep an eye on if you want to bet on horse racing.
Let’s take a look at the top racing events from around the globe, as well as some of the most important horse racing events taking place in New York in 2022.
Dubai World Cup
When: March 26, 2022
Where: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai
The Dubai World Cup is one of the youngest global horse racing events, originating in 1996, but it has risen to prominence in spectacular fashion since then. It is definitely one of the most luxurious events in the racing world and has an unbelievable purse of $30.5 million. Racers stream into the country for the events leading up to the final, which takes place towards the end of March every year.
No expense is spared at the Dubai World Cup, and it is an event for millionaires, celebrities, royalty and sports stars alike.
Kentucky Derby
When: May 7, 2022
Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
Even if you know nothing about horse racing, chances are that you’ve heard of the Kentucky Derby. It is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious racing events in the USA, and it has also been glamourized by Hollywood with movies like Secretariat. The purse for the Kentucky Derby is $3 million, which isn’t the biggest of all racing events, but it’s certainly a lot of money. The event began in 1875 and quickly became a mainstay in the racing calendar.
Although there are several great races that take place on the day, the most popular race on this track is definitely the Kentucky Derby, the first race in the US Triple Crown series, in which 3-year-old Thoroughbreds are put through their paces each year.
Preakness Stakes
When: May 21, 2022
Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland
On the third Saturday of May, horses line up to run in the second leg of the Triple Crown. The Preakness Stakes, held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, was first run in 1873 and is the shortest of the three Triple Crown races. The winner of this race obviously gets the title, the majority of the $1.65 million purse, as well as a Tiffany & Co. silver trophy that they hold onto for the day. The winning horse is also decked out in a garland of Black-eyed Susans. The Preakness Stakes attracts society’s cream of the crop, who often treat the upper grandstands as a place to show off their expensive tastes.
Belmont Stakes
When: June 11, 2022
Where: Belmont Park, New York
The Belmont Stakes is the final jewel in the coveted Triple Crown series and is held in Belmont Park on the first Saturday of June. The Belmont Stakes is the oldest race in the prestigious series, having originated in 1867, and has a purse prize of $1.5 million. This is the final opportunity for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to get their hoofs on the most coveted title in world racing. Organized by NYRA Racing, this is the be-all and end-all event of the racing calendars where horse owners can only hope that their animals will reach the level of fame of horses like Secretariat. Only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown so far. Is 2022 the year another champion will be crowned?
Royal Ascot
When: June 14 – 18, 2022
Where: Ascot Racehorse, Berkshire, England
As you’d imagine – given its name – the Royal Ascot is so prestigious that it is traditionally attended by members of the British Royal Family. The event was started in 1711, and it remains one of the most popular racing days in the world. It is a national institution in Britain and attracts thousands of socialites every year.
The purse for this five-day extravaganza is a whopping $21 million for 2022. It will see horses from all over the world coming to the UK for a shot at the ultimate horse racing glory.
Melbourne Cup
When: November 1, 2022
Where: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
The Melbourne Cup is the premier attraction in Australia’s horse racing world and is of major global significance within the industry. The high-profile event is part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival that has taken place since 1861, and it’s a significant cultural event for Australians. Horses from all over the globe descend on Melbourne in an effort to win some of the prize money. The purse for the Melbourne Cup is usually between $5.3 and $8 million.
It’s also a huge occasion on the social calendar, where ordinary citizens and celebrities get dressed up to the nines, complete with celebratory hats, in order to compete for the title of best-dressed man and woman.
Breeder’s Cup
When: November 4 & 5, 2022
Where: Keeneland, Lexington, Kentucky
Kentucky is hosting two massive events in 2022, with the Kentucky Derby kicking off the year and the Breeder’s Cup finishing up the calendar here. The Breeder’s Cup is returning to the very place where the idea for the race was born: Keeneland.
With a $6 million purse, the Breeder’s Cup takes place at a different venue every year, and there are a host of qualifying events held throughout the year around the world. Winners are then entered into various races held during the final Breeder’s Cup event. The main events begin on the first Saturday of November, and the two-day period is one of the most exciting in the racing calendar.
NYRA races
If you’re looking to place NYRA bets on something more local that is still steeped in prestige, then keep an eye out for these races taking place in New York in 2022:
- Jockey Club Gold Cup: March 15 – 18, Belmont Park
- Wood Memorial Stakes: April 9, Aqueduct Racetrack
- Carter Handicap: April 9, Aqueduct Racetrack
- Metropolitan Handicap: October 1, Belmont Park
- Cigar Mile: December 6, Aqueduct Racetrack
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