Horse Racing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, thanks to its incredibly exciting nature and its wide coverage around the world. Horse racing is loved globally, with dedicated fans who attend plenty of races throughout the year. Attending some of the incredible races, watching live to support their favourite competitors, or even using racing replays to make sure they don’t miss a race are just a few ways that horse racing fans can keep up to date with the sport. But by far the most exciting way to keep up to date with the sport is by visiting and attending the dramatic events, and visiting some iconic and modern venues. There are venues hosting horse racing of all different sizes, but today we are going to look at some of the best racecourses around the world.
Longchamp Racecourse
Longchamp Racecourse, or the Hipódromo de París-Longchamp, is one of the larger racecourses in France, located in Paris. The flat racecourse opened in 1857 and has a capacity of roughly 50,000 people, but holds some of the biggest races in France’s horse racing calendar. Over half of France’s major horse racing events are held here as a result of the large capacity and incredible history that the site holds. The royal elements and even celebrity influence were highlighted by The Rolling Stones’ performance there in 1995. With recent investments and developments, the racecourse can combine luxury and the incredible competitors to make for a visit to the races like no other racecourse in France can.
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot is one of the most famous racecourses in the world and one of the most popular racecourses in the UK. Built in 1711, the Ascot Racecourse is one of the older racecourses in the UK, and has been hosting plenty of dramatic horse racing action since it was first opened over 300 years ago. Each year, 600,000 people attend the racecourse to catch a glimpse of some of the best horses and jockeys in the business, with a 80,000 total capacity. The racecourse is iconic, with royal links and celebrities from around the world visiting every year to experience the Ascot atmosphere. Not only is it one of the most popular racecourses, attracting plenty of royalty and celebrities each year, but it also has an even greater benefit to the local area. The site is also used as a cricket ground for the Royal Ascot Cricket Club, which was founded in 1883, as well as hosting a football pitch for the local football club, Ascot United FC. This racecourse is extremely popular with spectators from around the world, along with some of the biggest names in horse racing who take part in events throughout the year.
Meydan Racecourse
Meydan Racecourse is the newest racecourse on the list, and it was only built in 2010 in the city of Dubai. This racecourse is an example of what modern-day and future horse racing may look like, with some incredible technology that is not replicated anywhere else in the world. State of the art technology and investments allow this racecourse to stand out from the others, with it being the only racecourse in the world with a 5-star hotel and over 250 rooms, over 70 business suites and air-conditioned stables to allow the horses to acclimatise to the warm environment, The main event hosted at this racecourse is the Dubai World Cup, with jockeys and horses coming from around the world to compete on the dirt and grass track. The level of luxury that is in place for attendees and competitors is second to none, making it a perfect example of a modern-day racecourse. While it isn’t as old as the others and doesn’t have as much history built behind it, the facilities and site itself cannot be overlooked as an incredible venue for horse racing.
Churchill Downs Racecourse
The 3rd biggest racecourse in the world, and home to the world famous Kentucky Derby, the Churchill Downs Racecourse is by far one of the most incredible racecourses in the world. With a 170,000 capacity, the racecourse was built in 1875 in Louisville, Kentucky, United States and features some incredible architecture. The main stand is a grand and intricate structure from the inside and out, providing a luxury aesthetic and environment to racegoers. There is plenty of history behind the course, with some very iconic moments that stand out in race history, but the memorial at the front of the racecourse is one way that modern history is being appreciated and passed on to future generations of horse racing fans. The Churchill Downs racecourse is commonly associated with wealth and prestige due to the expensive nature, services and aesthetic, but is a bucket list visit for any fan of horse racing.
Read More: click here
