10th March 2020
Cheltenham Festival will run from the 10th to the 13th of March in 2020 and includes several Grade 1 races. The National Hunt event has been running since 1860 and has become known for the ‘Cheltenham roar’ referring to the atmosphere of the event, with large crowds attending the event and showing their support.
But, don’t forget to check tips for the Cheltenham festival before placing your bets.
4th April 2020
The Grand National is the most famous horse racing event in the world, with 600 million people watching at home across the world and over 70,000 people attending the event to spectate.
The handicapped steeplechase race has been held annually, without fail, for 180 years, with a distance of 4 miles 2.5 furlongs and 30 jumping fences over the two laps. The track is renowned for being one of the toughest for both its distance and number of obstacles competitors are required to pass while carrying up to 67kg.
To qualify, horses must be of seven years of age or above and have a British Horseracing authority rating of 120 or more.
2nd May 2020
Venturing away from England, The Kentucky Derby is an annual event held in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The Grade 1 stakes race is for thoroughbreds, three-years-old and above with a purse of $3 million.
The derby is referred to as the most exciting two-minute sport in the US and is also known for being the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. But, the Kentucky Derby is the most attended race of the three, with an average track attendance of 150,000 people.
6th June 2020
The Epsom Derby is run in Surrey, England. This group 1 race is the most prestigious race in Europe and the richest race in Britain, with a purse of £1,623,900 (£921,538 to the winner).
The derby has been around since 1780, running consistently (except during the world wars) and being popular since then with Lords and the upper class. Nowadays, the derby is still a popular event with around 150,000 people attending each year.
16th June 2020
Royal Ascot is a Thoroughbred horse racing event spanning across a week and including 13 Grade 1 races and is one of Britain’s leading races.
Opened by Queen Ann in 1711, the race has always had strong ties to the royal family and even to this day, Queen Elizabeth makes her support for the sport known and enters her horses into the event.
Not only is the race known for its royal background, but also its unmatched atmosphere with a strict dress code and drink allowance to keep the glamour and class of the event intact year in, year out.
3rd October 2020
The Prix de l’Arc Triomphe is another Grade 1 flat race. This French event is open to thoroughbreds, three years and above. This unmissable race is run at Longchamps, a track with a distance of 1 ½ mile and is the second most prestigious race in Europe, following the Epsom Derby.
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