Major International Races Carry a Lot of Racing History

International racing has seen an increase in popularity in the United States, thanks largely to exposure from North America’s two major horse racing networks, HRTV and TVG, along with other online wagering platforms that now accept bets on races from around the world.

Top-class international racing is conducted among several circuits dotting the globe. They include Europe (specifically Europe and France), Dubai, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia. Each has its own major races. Below we will give a brief overview of some of the biggest and most prestigious horse races conducted outside of the U.S.

Dubai World Cup (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)– Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and owner of the world’s largest Thoroughbred racing and breeding operation, created the Dubai World Cup in 1996 as a way to promote the region’s growing tourism industry.

The Dubai World Cup is the world’s richest horse race and this year had a purse of $10 million.

Contested over 1 1/4-miles on the main track, the first 14 runnings were held on a conventional dirt track at Nad al Sheba Racecourse. In 2010, the race was moved to the new and extravagant Meydan Race Course, which features a synthetic main track.

United States-based runners had plenty of success when the race was held on dirt. When winning the inaugural running, the legendary Cigar became the first of eight American-based runners to win the race.

Epsom Derby (England)– First run in 1780, the Epsom Derby is the second leg of the English Triple Crown and is open to 3-year-old colts and fillies. U.S.. fans owe a debt of gratitude to this English classic as it provided the blueprint for what would become the Kentucky Derby in 1875.

Held the first Saturday in June at Epsom Downs each year, the Derby is a grueling 1 1/2-mile test. What makes the race particularly daunting is Epsom’s undulating, u-shaped course. Horses run clockwise in the Derby and must deal with several ascents and descents, including a 150-foot hill that encompasses the first five furlongs of the race.

The last winner of the English Triple Crown, which also includes the 2,000 Guineas and St. Leger, was the great Nijinsky in 1970.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (France)– The Arc is open to horses three-years-old and up and was first run in 1920. It is contested at about 1 1/2-miles at Longchamp Race Course and is considered to be Europe’s most prestigious race.

The race is held on the first Sunday in October, which allows time for those runners to compete in the Breeders’ Cup if so inclined. According to the Daily Racing Form, 56 horses have raced in the Arc and the Breeders’ Cup in the same year. Eight went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

This year’s Arc winner, Danedream, was the 18th filly or mares to win the race.

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