Famous Horse Races Around the World: Dates, Locations & Betting Tips

From the thundering tracks of Kentucky to the electric atmosphere at Tokyo Racecourse, horse racing is a global spectacle that captures hearts and sparks wagers year-round. Whether you’re a racing fan or a seasoned bettor, knowing the most prestigious races across the world is key to following the sport—and betting—at its best. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top international Flat and Jump (National Hunt) races, their unique traditions, thrilling moments, and when and where they happen. Ready to explore the crown jewels of horse racing? Let’s get started.

The Biggest Flat Races Worldwide

Here are the 15 most famous flat horse races in the world.

Pegasus World Cup (USA)

The Pegasus World Cup is a premier flat horse race held annually at Gulfstream Park in Florida, USA. Launched in 2017, it quickly gained attention with its enormous purse, making it one of the richest races in the world at its inception. Typically run in late January, the race covers 1⅛ miles (9 furlongs) on dirt and is open to horses aged four years and older. Known for attracting elite horses from around the world, the Pegasus also sets the tone for the North American racing season. Its combination of glamour, speed, and high stakes makes it a fan-favorite and a key betting event to kick off the year.

Race Information

Saudi Cup (Saudi Arabia)

The Saudi Cup is the world's richest horse race, held annually at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Introduced in 2020, it quickly became a global spectacle due to its staggering $20 million purse. This flat race is run over 1,800 meters (about 9 furlongs) on dirt and features top-tier international thoroughbreds aged four years and older. Scheduled in late February, the Saudi Cup is the highlight of the Saudi Cup Day, which includes multiple Group races such as the Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the Saudi Derby. The event attracts global attention from punters and racing enthusiasts, offering high-stakes action and exceptional betting value.

Race Information

Same Day Races (Saudi Cup Day)

Dubai World Cup (UAE)

The Dubai World Cup is one of the most prestigious flat races in the world, held annually at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, UAE. Established in 1996 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this race takes place on the last Saturday in March and is the headline event of the Dubai World Cup Night. Run over 2,000 meters (about 10 furlongs) on a dirt surface, the race is open to horses aged four and older (Northern Hemisphere) and three and older (Southern Hemisphere). With a $12 million purse, it attracts elite contenders from across the globe and is a favorite among international bettors. The Dubai World Cup Night features multiple Group 1 and Group 2 races, making it a must-follow event for racing fans and punters.

Race Information

Same Day Races (Dubai World Cup Night)

The 2000 Guineas Stakes (UK)

The 2000 Guineas Stakes is one of the five British Classics and the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown. Held at Newmarket in late April or early May, it is a Group 1 race for three-year-old colts and fillies. The race is run over one mile on the straight Rowley Mile course. It’s a key early-season indicator of the best milers and a major betting event for UK racing fans and international punters alike.

Race Information

The 1000 Guineas Stakes (UK)

Run at the same venue and around the same time as the 2000 Guineas, the 1000 Guineas Stakes is restricted to three-year-old fillies. As one of the five British Classics, it serves as a benchmark for top-class female thoroughbreds in Europe. Covering one mile on turf, it is a focal point of early spring racing and is widely bet on due to its status and the potential it reveals for later races in the season.

Race Information

The Kentucky Derby (USA)

Often called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and iconic horse races in the world. Held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, this Grade 1 race is the first leg of the American Triple Crown. Open to 3-year-old Thoroughbreds, the race is contested over 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on dirt. Known for its massive betting volume and festive atmosphere, the Derby is a key event for both seasoned punters and casual bettors alike.

Race Information

The Preakness Stakes (USA)

The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of the American Triple Crown, held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, this race is shorter than the Derby and often features many of the same contenders. Its strategic position in the Triple Crown makes it critical for any horse aiming for the historic sweep. With a festive atmosphere and national attention, it’s a highlight of the spring racing calendar.

Race Information

The Belmont Stakes (USA)

The Belmont Stakes is the final and longest leg of the American Triple Crown, earning it the nickname “The Test of the Champion.” Held at Belmont Park in New York, it tests both speed and endurance, often determining whether a horse can complete the historic Triple Crown. Its longer distance compared to the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes creates a unique challenge, and the race draws massive attention from horse racing fans and bettors alike.

Race Information

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (France)

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, often simply called "the Arc," is one of Europe's most prestigious flat races. Held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, it attracts the top middle-distance runners from around the globe. Known for its challenging turf course and deep international field, the Arc serves as a seasonal climax in European racing. Bettors love the depth of the competition, and the race is often seen as a proving ground for future champions.

Race Information

The Caulfield Cup (Australia)

The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia’s premier handicap flat races and serves as a key lead-up to the famous Melbourne Cup. Run over 2400 meters at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, this Group 1 event is part of the prestigious Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The race is known for its unpredictability, large fields, and high-quality international and local runners. For bettors, the Caulfield Cup presents excellent value opportunities, particularly for those following form from earlier spring races.

Race Information

The Cox Plate (Australia)

The Cox Plate, held at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne, is one of Australia's most prestigious weight-for-age races. Known as "the championship of champions," it attracts elite middle-distance runners from around the globe. Run over 2,040 meters, the tight, turning track at Moonee Valley adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement for both jockeys and bettors. With a rich history and high stakes, the Cox Plate is a must-watch and a prime market for skilled punters seeking value in form, pace, and track position.

Race Information

The Melbourne Cup (Ausutralia)

The Melbourne Cup, famously dubbed “the race that stops a nation,” is Australia’s most iconic horse race. Held annually at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, this 3,200-meter staying handicap draws a massive audience both locally and internationally. The race is known for its depth of field, big payouts, and cultural significance—being a public holiday in Victoria. For bettors, the Melbourne Cup offers wide-open markets and potential value due to the size of the field and varying form lines of local and international stayers.

Race Information

Breeders' Cup World Championships (USA)

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is the grand finale of the international flat racing calendar. Held over two days in late October or early November, this prestigious event rotates among top-class racetracks in the United States. It attracts elite horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world, with millions in prize money and global attention. The main event is the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a premier test of speed and stamina on dirt that often decides year-end championship honors.

The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a Grade 1 race run over 1¼ miles on dirt and is open to horses aged three and older. It is considered one of the most prestigious races in the world due to its international field, high stakes, and championship implications, often featuring Horse of the Year contenders.

Breeders’ Cup Classic — Race Overview

Other Major Races on Breeders' Cup Weekend

Here are other prominent Grade 1 races typically held during the two-day Breeders’ Cup event:

Hong Kong Cup (Hong Kong)

The Hong Kong Cup is the centerpiece of the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), held every December at Sha Tin Racecourse. Known as one of the most prestigious turf races in Asia, the Hong Kong Cup is the richest 2000-meter turf race in the world, attracting elite middle-distance horses from Europe, Japan, Australia, and beyond.

With a generous prize pool and global Group 1 status, it serves as a thrilling finale to the international flat racing calendar. The Hong Kong Cup is contested over 1¼ miles and often features top runners who previously competed in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or the Japan Cup.

Hong Kong Cup — Race Overview

Other Major Races on Hong Kong International Races Day

The Hong Kong Cup is part of the HKIR series, which includes four Group 1 races:

Arima Kinen (Japan)

The Arima Kinen, held annually in late December at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan, is one of the most celebrated horse races in the country and often referred to as Japan’s "Grand Prix." What makes this race unique is that a portion of the runners are determined by fan voting, giving the public the power to decide which horses compete.

Run over 2,500 meters on turf, the Arima Kinen often serves as the final race for elite Japanese thoroughbreds before retirement. It features top contenders from the Japan Cup and other major G1 races and is known for drawing massive crowds and media coverage. For Japanese bettors and racing fans, it's more than just a race — it’s a cultural event.

Race Information

World Famous National Hunt(Jump) Races

Here are 5 most famous national hunt races in the world.

Cheltenham Gold Cup (UK)

The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the crown jewel of British National Hunt racing and the feature race of the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place annually in March at Cheltenham Racecourse, England. First run in 1924, this race has grown to become one of the most prestigious jump races in the world.

Run over 3 miles 2½ furlongs (about 5,331 meters), the Gold Cup challenges horses with 22 fences to jump, demanding a mix of speed, stamina, and precision. It attracts the very best steeplechasers from Britain, Ireland, and beyond. A win here secures a horse’s legacy and places them among National Hunt legends.

This race is not only the climax of the Cheltenham Festival but also a major fixture in the betting calendar. Fans and bettors around the world tune in for its thrilling competition, rich history, and dramatic finishes.

Cheltenham Gold Cup — Race Overview

The Grand National (UK)

The Grand National is widely regarded as the most famous steeplechase race in the world, held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. First run in 1839, it is a national institution in the UK and one of the most watched sporting events globally, drawing millions of viewers and punters each year.

This premier handicap steeplechase is run over a grueling distance of 4 miles and 2½ furlongs (approximately 6,907 meters) and features 30 formidable fences over two laps, including iconic jumps like Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Canal Turn. The Grand National is open to horses aged 7 years and older that meet specific rating and qualification standards.

The race’s unpredictability, huge field (usually up to 34 runners), and massive prize pool make it a centerpiece of National Hunt racing. It is famed not only for its thrilling finishes but also for its tradition, history, and life-changing betting odds, often featuring longshot winners. For many, a flutter on the Grand National is a once-a-year ritual.

Grand National — Race Overview

Irish Grand National (Ireland)

The Irish Grand National is one of the most historic and prestigious steeplechase races in Ireland. Held annually at Fairyhouse Racecourse during the Easter Festival, this race dates back to 1870 and is often considered Ireland's answer to the Aintree Grand National.

Run over a distance of 3 miles 5 furlongs (5,834 meters) and featuring 24 fences, it is a true test of endurance, strategy, and jumping ability. Open to horses aged 5 and older, the race is a major target for Irish trainers and attracts large fields and enthusiastic crowds.

Many horses that compete in the Irish Grand National go on to compete in other major steeplechase events, including the Aintree Grand National and Cheltenham races. It remains a key date in the spring racing and betting calendar.

Irish Grand National — Race Overview

Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris (France)

The Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is the most prestigious jump race in France, often compared to England’s Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Grand National. Held annually at Auteuil Racecourse in Paris, it is the highlight of the French National Hunt calendar.

This challenging steeplechase covers a distance of 6,000 meters (about 3 miles 6 furlongs) and includes 23 formidable fences, making it one of the toughest tests for both horse and jockey. The race is open to five-year-olds and older and has been run since 1874, steeped in tradition and elite competition.

Known for its technical demands and long history, the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is a prime attraction for elite trainers and bettors, not just in France but across Europe. It typically takes place in late May, and victory here is considered a major achievement in steeplechase racing.

Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris — Race Overview

Nakayama Grand Jump (Japan)

The Nakayama Grand Jump is one of the most prestigious steeplechase races in the world, held every April at Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi, Chiba, Japan. Inaugurated in 1999, the race was established as part of Japan’s effort to promote international steeplechase racing and has since become the richest jump race in the world, with a purse exceeding ¥170 million (approx. $1.2 million USD).

Run over a distance of 4,250 meters, the race includes a combination of traditional hurdles and banked cross-country-style fences, making it both technically challenging and exciting for spectators. It is part of the Japan Racing Association (JRA) calendar and forms the highlight of Japan’s jump racing season.

The Nakayama Grand Jump is open to 4-year-olds and older, and regularly attracts top domestic jumpers as well as international challengers from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Horses such as Karasi (AUS), who won the race three times in a row (2005–2007), have contributed to its growing global reputation.

Nakayama Grand Jump — Race Overview

Conclusion: Bet on the World’s Greatest Races

From the historic turf of the UK to the glamour of Dubai and the electric crowds of Japan, the horse racing calendar offers an unmatched mix of prestige, passion, and profit. Whether you favor Flat classics like the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or iconic jumps like the Grand National, there’s always a world-class race to watch—and wager on.

With an account at a trusted online bookmaker, you can easily bet on these legendary races from anywhere in the world. Platforms like Stake make it even more accessible by allowing anonymous, secure betting with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ripple, and USDT. You can fund your bets quickly, enjoy competitive odds, and cash out your winnings in crypto—all without the hassle of traditional banking.

So whether you're a racing enthusiast or a bettor chasing big wins, the global stage is yours. Ready to saddle up?