Horse racing is a sport that doesn’t know much about geo-restrictions.Â
It is one of the most globally spread sports with a rich history and tradition that dates back thousands of years.
In other words, you’d find rich horse racing culture in the oddest place in the world.
The United Kingdom is mainly responsible for sharing the passion for horse racing around the world through colonization or inspiring other people who visit the UK to bring back more than just memories but also horse racing culture.
Nowadays, there are billions of horse racing fans around the world, and horse racing tourism is booming at the moment.
But what are the best places to visit if you are an equestrian fan and want to experience authentic horse racing culture, history, and action?
Well, we’ve made a list of some of the most famous horse racing tourist attractions every equestrian fan should visit.
Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Why start anywhere else but Lexington, Kentucky? Dubbed the Horse Capital of the World, this place is steeped in equine culture.
This city comes into life in May just because of the Kentucky Derby, and the thrills and excitement for this race lasts for months.
It is truly a spectacle to witness, but even if you cannot visit Kentucky in May, there is enough horse racing action throughout the year.
If you are one of the lucky ones who will be attending the Kentucky Derby, make sure to do your research before placing a bet.
You can do that by observing expert picks and suggestions on the link below: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/
From the Kentucky Horse Park to the thrill of the Kentucky Derby at nearby Churchill Downs, Lexington offers an unmatched horse racing experience.
The Derby, known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports,” is a bucket-list event for any racing fan​​.
Melbourne, Australia
Did you know that Australia also has a rich history of horse racing? Have you heard about Phar Lap?
One of the most incredible horses that ever lived? Well, it was a champion Australasian Thoroughbred.
But Australia is huge, and what is the best place to visit for horse racing action? -Melbourne.
Melbourne is not just a city crazy about sports; it’s a city that stops for the Melbourne Cup.Â
Known as the race that stops a nation, the Melbourne Cup is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier horse racing event.
It is an incredible place to be, and you’d be impressed by the horse racing culture in the city.
Plus, there are a couple of racetracks and horse racing fun things to do even if you are not there during the Melbourne Cup.
Ascot, UK
The UK is one of the most prominent places to visit if you are a horse racing fan.
After all, many people consider the UK to be the birthplace of modern-day horse racing.
Great Britain is a hub for horse racing fans.
It is the only country with more than 60 racecourses so close to one another and nearly 50,000 horse races organized annually.
This means that there are around 135 races every day!
But which is the best starting point for horse racing enthusiasts visiting the UK?
Ascot, located just outside London, is home to the Royal Ascot, where British pomp meets top-tier horse racing.
The event is a staple of the British social calendar, with the Royal Procession marking the start of the races.
It’s a place where fashion, tradition, and horse racing collide in the most British way possible​​.
Dubai, UAE
For those who like their horse racing with a side of luxury and modernity, Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse is a must-visit.
Here we have a new player in the horse racing industry, that might not share the same history and tradition with other places we covered so far, but it is definitely a place to visit if you want to see the modern side of horse racing.
Hosting the Dubai World Cup (with a prize pool of $35 million), the city offers a sleek racing experience with big-money stakes, complemented by a luxury hotel, art gallery, and golf course​​.
Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Happy Valley offers a racing experience with a unique backdrop of skyscrapers, making it one of the world’s most distinctive racecourses.
With a capacity of 55,000, the atmosphere on race day is electrifying, offering a blend of excitement, live music, and outdoor bars​​.
Hong Kong itself has a rich horse racing history and definitely should be one of your top travel destinations.
Newmarket, UK
If history and horse racing are your passions, Newmarket is the destination for you.
Hosting two of the five Classic Races, the 1,000 Guineas and the 2,000 Guineas, Newmarket is a cornerstone of UK racing and a place where the sport’s history is palpable in the air​​.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Here we have something different, for people that already seen most of the popular horse racing events in the world and want something to spice up their equestrian journey.
St. Moritz is an event where horse races are organized on a frozen lake!
It is the first and only snow-covered horse racing event in the world and the hub spot for skijoring.
So, if you want something new, this is the place to go.
Paris, France
Did you know that the City of Light also shares a big horse racing culture?
Hosting the prestigious Prix de I’Arc de Triomphe, it is one of the biggest events organized in October that brings thousands of horse racing fans.
Paris is also a blend of history, art, fashion, and a lot of horse racing events and museums that can fuel your equestrian passion.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Spring, in upstate New York, has been a ‘Horse Haven’ for horse enthusiasts since 1847, when the first trotter race was run on a dirt track and wagered on.
Saratoga Race Course is the oldest racetrack in America.
It also hosts the greatest horse racing in America.
In addition to equestrian sports, Saratoga offers gorgeous scenery, lakes, and springs, as well as theatre, ballet, opera, music, shopping, and other activities for the entire family.
Siena, Italy
Apart from being a popular destination for art, history, and food lovers, Italy attracts quite a bit of horse racing enthusiasts.
This is one of the few European countries that developed a deep love for horse racing.
After all, history suggests that during the time of the Roman Empire, there were plenty of chariot horse races.
Did you know that Siena has the oldest horse race in the world?
Yes, the Palio di Siena is a race that takes place in the city center and dates back more than 800 years.
Definitely, a tourist attraction you need to see for yourself.
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