6 Major Horse Racing Tournaments that Await Us in 2025
Horse racing in 2025 is set to deliver some of the most prestigious and exciting events in the sport’s history. Fans will be greatest to a year full of speed, strategy, and history-making performances on the GGBET official site, from legendary faces in the US and Europe to globally recognized competitions in Australia and the Middle East. What are some racing tournaments to expect in 2025? Keep scrolling to get details about what to anticipate as a horse racing fan.
The Kentucky Derby — United States of America
Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, this year’s competition will be held on May 3, 2025. It is arguably one of the most famous horse races in the globe and is equally referred to as “The Run for the Roses.” This event is the longest-running sporting event in the United States, which attracts more than 150,000 spectators, including royals and celebrities. It is famous for its traditions like mint juleps, playing “My Old Kentucky Home” before the race, and extravagant hats.
Over the years, some notable winners include Secretariat (1973), which holds the fastest Derby time at 1:59:40. American Pharaoh (2015) won the first Triple Crown in 37 years, and Rich Strike (2022) shocked the world with an 89-1 upset victory. This year, the Kentucky Derby will once more display the best three-year-old thoroughbreds competing for the coveted Garland of Roses. Trainers like Bob Baffert and Brad Cox are expected to present strong contenders. You can equally anticipate top jockeys aiming for their place in history.
The Royal Ascot — United Kingdom
This is the iconic British flat racing that is usually held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. This year, it will be held from June 17 to 21, 2025. The competition dates back to 1711 and is usually attended by the British royal family and some of the most prominent figures in the horse racing world. This five-day festival is a must-watch event because it features a purse of more than £8 million, which makes it one of the richest racing events in the world. Likewise, the Queen Anne Stakes, Gold Cup, and Diamond Jubilee Stakes attract elite horses across the globe. The event is famous for its strict dress code, especially in the Royal Enclosure, where top hats and morning coats are mandated.
Some notable winners over the years are Frankel (2012), which dominated the Queen Anne Stakes with an 11-length victory. Yeats set a record by winning the Gold Cup four times from 2006-2009. Stradivarius expressed its supremacy with three consecutive Gold Cup wins from 2018 to 2020. This year, you can expect a blend of history with modern racing excellence as King Charles III continues the tradition of the Royal Procession. So, eat your for rising stars from the UK, Ireland, and France, as well as challengers from the USA and Japan.
The Dubai World Cup — UAE
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum founded this premier horse racing event in the Middle East in 1996. It is held at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai and is one of the richest races in the world and offers a purse of $12 million for just the main race. This event attracts top-ranking horses from Europe, Japan, the US, and the Middle East. It features a total prize pool exceeding $30 million across nine races. Its post-race celebrations entail performances by international music artists and extravagant fireworks.
Some mentionable winners over the years are Cigar, which was the inaugural winner that secured his place in racing history in 1996. Arrogate cane from last to first in one of the most dramatic victories in 2017. Likewise, Country Grammar gave jockey Frankie Dettori an exciting Dubai World Cup win in 2022. On March 29, 2025, you can expect fierce competition between US and Japanese-trained horses. This is because Japan maintains its dominance on the world stage. Meydan’s state-of-the-art facilities and electric ambience will make it a spectacle not to be missed.
The Melbourne Cup — Australia
This is usually held at Flemington Racecourse in Victoria. It is Australia’s most famous horse race and is famous for its two-mile distance and rich history since 1861. This Group 1 handicap race attracts an entire nation, with Australians pausing their daily activities to watch. It is one of the richest handicap races in the field, with a prize pool exceeding A$8 million. International horses, especially those from Europe and Japan, have had increasing success in recent years. This event is part of the Spring Racing Carnival — a celebration of fashion, culture, and sport that will be held on November 4, 2025.
Over the years, some iconic winners include Makybe Diva, the only horse to win three consecutive Melbourne Cups from 2003 to 2005. Phar Lap is the most famous Australian racehorse of all time, and Avery Elleegant won a dominant victory in one of the most competitive fields in 2021. The Melbourne Cup 2025 will likely attract top international players. With European training targeting the race, you can anticipate strong competition from UK, Japanese, and Irish contenders, as well as local Australian stars.
The Breeders’ Cup — USA
This is a two-day event that will run from October 31 to November 1, 2025. It features different championship races, with the Breeders’ Cup Classic being the crown jewel. The Breeders’ Cup is considered the “Super Bowl” of horse racing, with a total purse that exceeds $30 million. The event Classic usually determines the title of the Horse of the Year in the US, and we have horses from Europe, Japan, and South America, often competing against the best American talent.
American Pharaoh (the first horse to win the Grand Slam {Triple Crown plus Breeders’ Cup Classic}), Zenyatta (the only Nate to win the Classic, defeating a field of makes), and Flightline (with a breathtaking 8-length victory cementing his legendary status) are some of the notable winners in the history of this event. This year, you can expect a showdown between top dirt and turf horses. Also, anticipate thrilling clashes between European turf specialists and American diet champions.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe — France
It is held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. This year, it will be held on October 5, 2025. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is Europe’s richest and most prestigious race that determines the best middle-distance horse in the world. It offers a purse of £5 million and attracts elite runners across the globe. Some prominent winners include Sea The Stars, Treve, and Enable. The 2025 Arc will witness top European and Japanese horses compete for racing’s greatest turf prize. So, anticipate legendary trainers like Aidan O’Brien and André Fabre to enter their best contenders.
Unparalleled Drama & Excitement
These six horse racing events define the global racing calendar in 2025. So, there are numerous excitements in stock for spectators to look forward to. For betting enthusiasts, various odds and betting options can be anticipated. So, happy viewing!