The greatest horse races in the world

Horse racing is a popular sport all over the world. From Japan to the Middle East, some of the fastest and strongest horses are bred for racing. With the advent of live television, watching these events has become easier than ever. Below we list three of the biggest horse races in the world that you might want to watch.

Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is held as part of the Cheltenham Festival in the United Kingdom. This is the most important event in a meeting that contains a series of important races, filled with the best horses, jockeys and trainers. The winning horse receives a whopping £625,000 for its trainer.
The competition was first held in 1819, on flat terrain. Now it is a steeplechase, and the horse must run three miles and two and a half furlongs, with 22 fences to jump.

This year’s event will prove to be as competitive as the previous one. Last year, jockey Rachel Blackmore was the first woman to win the A Plus Tard and must return with a 15/2 shot to take her win in Cheltenham Festival Betting. Top jockey Paul Townend will also compete for pole position with 6/4 favorite Gallopin des Champs.

Related: Explaining the different horse racing bets

L Kentucky Derby

L Kentucky Derby It is held annually and takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. It is a first-class race for ponies aged three years and above. This means that young horses have the opportunity to show their potential and make a name for themselves and their trainers.

This short, fast race is perfect for runners. It traveled more than a mile and a quarter, and its short duration often earned it the title of the fastest two-minute race in American sports. Beginning in 1875 with its first race, it became part of the American Triple Crown along with the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
In true American fashion, there were many traditions surrounding the race. The winner is often wrapped in roses after the event and spectators have been known to enjoy a mint julep cocktail while watching.

Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup It is one of the largest races in Australia and is reputed to be one of the richest races in the world. This year’s winner will take home a staggering $8 million Australian dollars. The race was first held in 1861, and was primarily a two-mile race, although this was changed sporadically.

Last year’s race was won by Fairy Elegant, a horse bred and trained in Australia and New Zealand, who also won the Caulfield Cup and Horse of the Year. Makebe Diva is the horse who holds the record for the most wins with three consecutive wins in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
These are by no means the only important races. However, for Nigerian horse lovers keen to see what action the racing world has to offer, it is a great start.

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