Five major horse racing events of the year
For most people in the United Kingdom, horse racing is a massive part of British culture. The sport in the UK dates back to the 12th century, during the reign of Henry II. Exactly 850 years after the first recorded race, horse racing has become the third largest spectator sport behind football and rugby (union and league).
Several horse racing events occur throughout the calendar year; however, there are major ones to look forward to. The major events have become global spectacles showcasing the best of the best. Fine dining and haute couture are also part of these events. Moreover, you can expect to see appearances from A-list celebrities and even royal family members.
This guide highlights the crème de la crème of UK flat and National Hunt races. Here, you will learn about the most esteemed events that make British racing the best in the world.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup
According to The Jockey Club, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious steeplechase in the world. It is also the first major race of the calendar, taking place in mid-March. This annual event, which began in 1924, takes place at the Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire.
The race
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt horse race. It is contested over 3 miles, 2½ furlongs, with 22 fences. The horses must be five years or older to compete in the event.
Popularity and prize
The event is one of the most anticipated in the world. Here, you can expect to see top-class horses and jockeys. In terms of prizes, a huge £625,000 pool is shared among the top five. The winner goes home with £351,688.
Notable winners
Legendary horses such as Arkle, Best Mate and Denman have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, cementing their legacy in racing history.
The Grand National
The Grand National horse race is arguably the most popular equestrian tournament. An estimated 600 million people tune in to watch the event yearly (in April). Taking place at the Aintree racecourse near Liverpool, the Grand National has become an essential part of British horse racing culture.
The race
The Grand National is a Grade 3 handicap steeplechase. The event takes place on a 4 mile, 2½ furlong course. During the race, the horses will jump 30 fences over two laps. The race is open to horses aged seven and older.
Popularity and prize
The Grand National is watched by millions worldwide, with a massive global audience. During the event, about 150,000 people are in attendance. When it comes to prize money, the pool exceeds £1 million, making the event one of the richest.
Notable winners
The race has been won by legendary horses such as Red Rum, Aldaniti and Many Clouds, ensuring its place in racing folklore.
Epsom Derby
When talking about classics, the Epsom Derby should be near the top of the list. With its first run back in 1780, it is perhaps one of the world’s oldest and most famous flat races. Every first Saturday of June, elite horses and jockeys gather to compete at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England.
The race
The Epsom Derby is a Group 1 race contested over 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards. Only three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies are allowed to participate. The racecourse provides an ideal test of endurance, balance and speed.
Popularity and prize
The Derby is often referred to as The Blue Riband of horse racing, attracting over 100,000 spectators each year. The purse for this year’s edition was a whopping £1.5 million, with the winning team walking away with £850,650.
Notable winners
Winners of the Derby often go on to achieve greatness, involving legendary horses such as Nijinsky, Mill Reef and Galileo.
Ascot Gold Cup
In 1807, the Gold Cup was integrated into the Royal Ascot race list. Over 200 years later, the event has become a pillar of British sporting life. Every June, equestrian fans from around the world converge on the Ascot Racecourse to experience this spectacle. Apart from the crowd in attendance, millions of people tune in to watch the tournament.
The race
The Ascot Gold Cup is a Group 1 race, contested over 2 miles, 3 furlongs and 210 yards. The track of the turf is right-handed, considered a royal centrepiece. The age requirement for the horses to qualify is four years and older.
Popularity and prize
This race is one of the biggest in the world, being the main event of the Royal Ascot. The Royal family is notably in attendance, along with other A-list celebrities. As of 2023, the tournament’s purse was £600,000, and the winner received £340,260.
Notable winners
This race boasts a rich history. There have been legendary winners such as Saguaro, Yeats and Stradivarius etching their names in racing folklore.
The King George VI Chase
Often regarded as the mid-season championship of National Hunt racing, The King George VI Chase is a prestigious event held annually at Kempton Park Racecourse in Surrey. Occurring every 26th of December, it is the second most prestigious chase in the UK. The race is also used as a form guide to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The race
This Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase is contested over a distance of about 3 miles, with 18 fences to be jumped on the way around. To compete in the event, the horses have to be four years or older.
Popularity and prize
The King George VI Chase is a huge part of the festive season, with a massive audience tuning in on Boxing Day. There is a substantial prize fund, with last year’s winner receiving £142,375 from the £250,000 prize fund.
Notable winners
The trophy features the names of some of the sport’s most well-known figures. They include the legendary grey Desert Orchid, and Kauto Star.
Horse race betting options on the major events in the UK
Horse racing is more than a sport in the UK; for some, it is an avenue for gambling. With so many events on the British calendar, betting apps offer so many favourable odds to punters. Several betting options are available, each providing unique opportunities. The common ones you will come across include:
- Single bet: A straightforward bet on one horse to win a race.
- Place bet: A bet on a horse to finish in one of the top positions (first, second or third)
- Accumulator bet: This involves a combination of multiple selections into one wager.
- Each-way bet: Combines a single and a place bet, offering a payout if the horse wins or places.
- In-play bet: Allows bets to be placed during the race. The odds change based on the progression of the race.
Conclusion
While there are certainly other races in the United Kingdom, the five events listed are undoubtedly the major ones. In terms of viewership and prize funds, no other event in Britain comes close to these.
Modern technology has been instrumental in taking these events to other parts of the world, and we only expect them to get bigger in terms of revenue and sponsorship. If you’re looking to get the best of horse racing action, do consider the events reviewed here.