Listopedia: Horse Races around the World

The Race that Stops a Nation is almost upon us. The Melbourne Cup has captivated and commandeered Aussie TV screens, work places, bars, restaurants, cafes, even schools every year since 1861 – well, not TV screens, but you know what we mean. It’s THE event of the Australian racing season.

What about once those 3 frantic minutes and roughly 16 seconds are over? Don’t despair, here’s our listopedia of horse races around the world that should be on your bucket list.

Melbourne Cup, Flemington Australia

Back in 1861, Flemington Racecourse was a very different place. No spectator stands, no railings and certainly no Bird Cage. It took just a few years for the race to really take off, with more than a third of Melbourne’s population making the trip out to the racecourse by 1880. These days celebrities from around the world fly in to watch the race, with invitations to extravagant marquees set up on site always hotly contested. Now a public holiday in Victoria, Melbourne Cup Day is celebrated around the country. This year the prize money for the 3200m race sits at $6,200,000.

The Gold Cup, Royal Ascot England

The English Royal Family’s association with Ascot Racecourse dates back to 1711, when Queen Anne founded the now famous site. The Gold Cup takes place every June during the Royal Ascot Meeting and has done so since 1807. The long distance race (just over 4km) is the ticket in town for Royals, Lords, Ladies and plenty of celebrities. Admittance into The Royal Enclosure is by invitation only, and invitees must have been present in the Enclosure four years in a row. The prize money for the Gold Cup this year was £375,000.

Dubai World Cup, UAE

Dubai and decadence go hand in hand and the Dubai World Cup Carnival is no different. The month long Carnival kicks off on January 8th 2015 and culminates with the Dubai World Cup Day on March 28th. Two races, the Dubai Sheema Classic and the Dubai Duty Free, each have a prize of 6 million dollars, but it’s the Dubai World Cup, with a prize of 10 million dollars, that gets the most attention.

Palio di Siena, Italy

While the exact origin date of Italy’s famous horse race are unknown, records show it has been held in the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s main town square, since 1644. The race is held twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th, when the town’s population swells with tourists from around the world. The race is a frantic battle between the city’s Contrade, the suburbs or districts, which locals are fiercely loyal to. The two hour processions prior to races include flags, costumes, music and marching. You’ll need to arrive several hours before each race to get a spot inside the centre of the square, with balconies and hotel rooms overlooking the race also prime real estate.

The Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs, Kentucky America

Held every year since 1875, the Kentucky Derby is part one of the Triple Crowns Trophy and takes place on the first Saturday in May. The race is famous as much for the results as the traditions – from the extravagant garland of roses draped over the winning horse to the Mint Juleps cocktail that’s been the drink of choice for almost a century, they all play an important role in the event.

Prix de l’arc de triomphe, Paris

Known simply as the Arc, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, takes place on the first Sunday in October at Longchamp Racecourse. The race dates back to 1920, though these days it has a hefty €5 million prize purse. It draws the elite in the racing world along with plenty champions-in-the-waiting.

Champ de Mars Racecourse, Mauritius

The Champ de Mars racecourse dates back to 1812 and was a military training ground in a former life. These days it hosts the Mauritius Turf Club and the racing season from April until November. Time your visit with the Maiden Cup, held in September.