Horse racing, a sport steeped in tradition and excitement, thrives across the globe. From the thundering hooves at the Kentucky Derby to the prestigious Japan Cup, the world’s biggest horse racing countries offer a blend of history, culture, and thrilling competition that captivates fans and contributes to a multi-billion-dollar industry.
1. United States
Horse racing in the United States is rich and diverse, with a strong tradition that dates back centuries. The combination of prestigious races, top-quality breeding programs, and the love of the sport ensures that horse racing continues to be a prominent part of American culture.
One of the most famous races is the series of three that are together known as the Triple Crown. It comprises:
- Kentucky Derby: Held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s one of the most famous horse races in the world.
- Preakness Stakes: Conducted at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, it’s the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
- Belmont Stakes: Held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, it’s the third and final leg of the Triple Crown.
These aren’t the only famous races in the US; the country is also home to the Breeders’ Cup. This is a series of Grade I races held at different tracks around the country, and it offers some of the richest purses in the sport. As well as this, the Arlington Million draws international competitors, and is held at Arlington Park in Illinois.
There are over 100 racetracks in the United States, ranging from well-known venues hosting top-tier races, like those noted above, to smaller tracks offering local competition. Some of the most famous include:
- Saratoga Race Course: Known for its summer meet and historic races.
- Santa Anita Park: A prominent track in California.
- Keeneland: Located in Lexington, Kentucky, it’s both a racecourse and a significant auction house for Thoroughbreds.
Betting on horse racing is a major industry in the United States, with billions of dollars wagered annually. In many states that don’t have legal sports betting, wagering on horse races is permitted, so long as it’s parimutuel betting (where all the takings are pooled together and distributed amongst the winners). It’s estimated that over $150 million is bet on the Kentucky Derby each year, including all pools and wager types. Meanwhile, over the entire Breeders’ Cup weekend, betting can reach upwards of $160 million.
2. Japan
Horse racing in Japan is characterized by high-quality competition, strong fan engagement, and significant economic impact. Japan has over 20 major racecourses, managed primarily by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), and many more local tracks. The Tokyo Racecourse is considered one of the world’s premier racecourses; it hosts the Japan Cup and other significant events.
Japan has developed a robust breeding and training industry, producing some of the world’s top Thoroughbreds. Stallions and mares from around the world have been imported to enhance the local gene pool, and Japanese-bred horses are now winning top international races.
Horse racing is the most significant betting sport in Japan, with massive amounts wagered each year. Betting options are very limited in Japan; it’s only permitted on racing events (including motorsports and cycling races, too). So, it’s not surprising that bookmakers for horse racing in Japan have such significant takings on these events. Betting on the Japan Cup can reach over $250 million, making it one of the world’s most wagered-on horse races. It’s thought that the total annual turnover for horse racing betting in Japan can exceed $20 billion, demonstrating the sport’s popularity and economic significance.
Some of Japan’s top races include:
- Japan Cup: One of the richest horse races globally, the Japan Cup is an international race held at Tokyo Racecourse.
- Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby): The most prestigious race for three-year-old colts and fillies, it is part of the Japanese Triple Crown.
- Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix): Held at Nakayama Racecourse, this race is one of Japan’s most popular events, attracting top domestic and international horses.
- Tenno Sho: Conducted in both spring and autumn, the Tenno Sho is a top-tier race with a rich history.
- Takarazuka Kinen: An invitational race held at Hanshin Racecourse, it offers a large purse and attracts top horses.
3. United Kingdom
Horse racing in the United Kingdom is one of the country’s most popular sports, especially when it comes to betting. The UK is home to some of the world’s most famous races, including:
- The Grand National: Perhaps the most famous steeplechase in the world, it’s held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool.
- The Epsom Derby: Part of the English Triple Crown, it’s a prominent race for three-year-olds held at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
- Cheltenham Festival: This prestigious meeting includes the Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the top jump races in the UK. It’s held annually in March at Cheltenhame Racecourse.
- Royal Ascot: A five-day meeting held at Ascot Racecourse, it’s one of the highlights of the racing calendar, attended by members of the British Royal Family.
- 1000 and 2000 Guineas: Two classic races held at Newmarket, part of the English Triple Crown series. In fact, Newmarket is often considered the birthplace and global center of Thoroughbred horse racing.
As the sport is so popular here, the UK is home to around 60 racecourses, catering to both flat and National Hunt (jump) racing. As well as those noted above, some of the best racecourses in the UK include York and Goodwood. Bookmakers, betting shops, and online platforms offer a wide variety of wagering options for racegoers to place bets on their favorite horses. Major races can attract hundreds of millions of pounds in bets.
These are just three countries on a long list of those with a huge horse racing scene. From Australia to Canada and even Hong Kong, there are plenty of other nations around the world with a passionate base of racing fans and a pool of top-quality racehorses.
