Given that the
sport of horse racing has such a rich historical pedigree, there are
a number of racecourses around the world that are not only unique
spaces but also historical monuments in their own right. Here's our
round-up of the top ten racecourses in the world today, where you can
experience the sport at its very best.
Source: Pixabay
Ascot, Berkshire, England
The palatial
Ascot racecourse is home to one of the most prestigious events in the
British calendar, the Royal Ascot, which has been going every year
for a total of 307 years. The event was launched during the reign of
Queen Anne and since then the extended royal family, including Queen
Elizabeth herself, congregate in the beautiful grounds of this
stadium to watch the races amind flowing fountains of champagne and
unbelievably high bets.
Churchill Downs, Kentucky, United States
The Churchill
Downs is home to what is probably the most famous horse racing event
on the planet, the Kentucky Derby. Named after the original owners of
the site, the entrepreneurial brothers John and Henry Churchill, this
gorgeous stadium has since been designated a National Historic
Landmark by the United States government. While the grounds itself
are nothing short of majestic, the building which houses them
underwent a $100 million renovation ten years back, transforming into
one of the most cutting-edge racecourses out there.
Flemington, Melbourne, Australia
Located in the
suburbs of Melbourne, Flemington is also a recognized historical
landmark, having hosted the most prestigious horse racing event in
Australia since 1840. The main event is, of course, the Melbourne
Cup, which sees millions and millions of dollars wagered every year
on this single momentous day. The event takes place in November every
year, with celebrities, royalty, and regular racegoers all keenly
keeping
track of the latest odds on sites like Oddschecker to try
and make it their turn to win a million-dollar payoff. The event is
quite fittingly known as "the race that stops the nation",
as all eyes will be on Flemington come November.
Source: Pixabay
Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy
Definitely one
of the more unique entries on this list, given the age and location
of the racecourse. Set in the ancient heart of the gorgeous city of
Siena, this track acts as one of the city's central squares for most
of the year. However, twice a year this oval-shaped piazza becomes
the epicenter of the biggest sporting event in Italy, the Palio di
Siena, where the best thoroughbreds in Europe flock to race it out
among the throngs of screaming crowds. The race has been taking place
here since at least the 14th century, and some would argue that
the manic energy and indescribable buzz hasn't changed a bit since
then.
Happy Valley, Hong Kong
A day spent at
Happy Valley is a racing experience like no other. Set in the heart
of the megacity of Hong Kong, this open-air racecourse is surrounded
on all sides by the dense apartment blocks and office buildings which
characterize this iconic city. Happy
Valley was first constructed back in 1845 to provide
entertainment to the colonial British administrators who then ran the
island of Hong Kong, and the old-world character remains to this day.
Given the largely uninhabitable and hilly terrain of Hong Kong, this
spot was one of the only viable places to build a racecourse. Since
then, the city has sprung up around it, making for one of the most
interesting backdrops to a horserace you'll ever see.
Greyville, Durban, South Africa
Despite the
name, a day out at the Greyville racecourse is always a colorful
affair. Although home to some of the most prestigious racing events
in South Africa, you can also expect to see plenty of hawkers selling
delicious food on the grounds as well as some of the most affordable
beer around. The site has existed in one form or another since 1843,
and since then virtually every member of the British royal family has
paid homage to this site by participating in race day festivities.
The backdrop is also stunning, with views of the entire skyline of
Durban visible from the grandstands. To make the most of these unique
views, make sure to go there just as the sun begins to set and
the light reflects off the colorful skyscrapers of downtown.
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Cheltenham is
another prestigious center of British horseracing, a place where the
elite of the country has congregated for the annual Cheltenham
Festival for over two hundred years. Set within the heart of the
Cotswolds, the gargantuan 68,000 seater racecourse hosts more Grade I
horse races than anywhere else on Earth and gives out more prize
money than any event bar the Kentucky Derby.
Source: Pixabay
Meydan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If places like
Cheltenham and Ascot represent the old world of horseracing, then the
Meydan represents the new world. This towering, jaw-dropping
structure was completed just a few years ago and exists in truly
Dubai fashion. The ultra-modern venue is home to a 5-star luxury
hotel, a marina, a nine-hole golf course and a conference
center, all spread out over a whopping 7.5 million square meters,
making it one of the largest racecourses in the world.
Tokyo Racecourse, Tokyo, Japan
The Tokyo
racecourse opened in 1933, and the art-deco influences of the era are
still clearly visible today. The space itself is awe-inspiring, with
enough room to fit over 200,000 racing fans, often being packed to
capacity on big race days such as those
in the prestigious Asian Mile Challenge. The racecourse is also
kitted out with sushi restaurants, saki bars, and ramen stands so you
can get your Japanese cultural fix in one spot.
Longchamp, Paris, France
Opened in 1857,
the Longchamp racecourse in Paris probably wins the award for the
most stunning racecourse on Earth, featuring perfectly-manicured
grounds and some truly palatial interior design dating from the
height of the Belle Epoque period. It is home to what is arguably the
most prestigious horse racing event in Europe, the Prix de L'Arc de
Triomphe, which sees the great and good from across the continent
flocking to this space to taking part in the most high-stakes racing
around.
All racecourses
have an innate attraction, given the festivity and fun they are
associated with. Some, however, are better than others, and a
trip to one of the ones listed above is an experience you'll never
forget.
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