Horse racing events are hosted around the world; from Europe to America and even the Middle East. However, some of the most famous horse races are hosted in Europe, and 2021 will see the return of many.
As we all know, 2020’s horse racing action was impaired by the viral pandemic. However, if you are looking forward to this event-filled year like other horse racing fans worldwide, here are Europe’s ten most famous racecourses.
1. Ascot Racecourse
The Ascot Racecourse hosts one of Britain’s prestigious races, the Royal Ascot. It was founded in the early 17th century by her royal majesty, Queen Anne. Between June 15th and 19th of every year, the Ascot racecourse welcomes the royals, celebs, and of course, horse racing lovers and punters. It’s a 5-day event with a whopping £8 million prize money.
2. Newmarket Racecourse
The Newmarket racecourse is famous for the 1000 and 200 Guineas stakes. What’s more, it’s the largest location for thoroughbred training, with more than 70 trainers and over 2500 horses. If you love obstacles/fences, note that action at the end of July to mid-August event at Newmarket racecourse is strictly flat racing.
3. Curragh Racecourse
Many people have argued it’s a tautology to say “Curragh Racecourse.” Curragh itself is a Gaelic word that means racecourse. Whichever way you’d like to put it, the Curragh is Ireland’s most famous racecourse as it hosts all the classic races in Ireland. What’s more, it houses Ireland’s largest horse racing training facilities.
4. Chantilly Racecourse
For a racecourse located in the ancient beech forest close to pros, not many can beat Chantilly in terms of architecture and beautiful scenery. If you plan to attend, it’s worth knowing that the Chantilly Racecourse is known for two popular races: Prix de Diane and Prix du Jockey Club.
5. Longchamp Racecourse
Horseracing events have been hosted at the Longchamp since the 1800s. Today, the racecourse is home to the second richest horse race in the world, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. It’s an opportunity to make money if you are a punter. You can visit the bookies stand or online where free bets are sometimes offered.
6. Cheltenham Racecourse
Cheltenham Racecourse is located in Gloucestershire, England. Each year, this racecourse is active around March, and it hosts the largest event in National Hunt racing: the Cheltenham Festival with nearly 70,000 spectators.
7. Epsom Downs Racecourse
The most famous Race in the world, Epsom derby or Derby stakes, is hosted in the Epsom Down Racecourse. This racecourse is on public land, so technically, spectators can watch horse races for free. Activities are high in June, when the Derby and Epsom Oaks (another prestigious horse racing event), is hosted.
8. Aintree Racecourse
Located in Liverpool, Aintree racecourse is where England’s most-watched horse racing event goes down, the Grand National. It’s one of the most expensive jump races in Europe, where jockeys and their horses compete for a £1 million cash prize. Apart from the Grand National, the Aintree racecourse also hosts another National Hunt event known as the Aintree festival.
9. Leopardstown Racecourse
Leopardstown Racecourse has been active since 1888 and is one of the few racecourses in Europe that hosts thoroughbred races and National Hunt races. Some of the high-profiled races to look out for at Leopardstown include the Irish Hennessy Cognac Cup and the Lexus Chase.
10. Goodwood Racecourse
This racecourse is set beside the coast of West Sussex, so you are in for beautiful scenery. The racecourse hosts the annual Goodwood races, which include both the Sussex Stakes and the Nassau Stakes.
