The “Sport of Kings” is one of the oldest disciplines in existence, but here in the 21st century there’s never been a better time to be a horse racing fan. Thanks to a combination of notable racing events being established throughout the centuries, and the wave of technological innovation that has swept through the industry in recent decades, we’re utterly spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting races to watch. Here in the U.S., for instance, there are the major events like the Kentucky Derby to follow, but also myriad local races to place bets on and attend.

What’s even better is that nowadays, racing fans can tune into international events such as the Cheltenham Festival in the UK or the Dubai World Cup in the UAE regardless of where in the world they’re located. The progression of technology has seen bookies move into the virtual space, with online platforms offering a wealth of sports betting markets encompassing most leading events on the global racing calendar. It’s just as easy to back a potential winner at The Grand National as it is to do so for a race at your local track here in the digital age!  

So, whether you’re a dedicated punter or a complete newbie, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the entire globe’s worth of events.

International Racing Calendar Highlights

The Thoroughbred (and Quarter Horse) racing calendar is jam packed with major Grade 1 and world championship events taking place from month to month. From jumps seasons standouts to the pinnacles of flat racing, there’s simply never a dull moment if you’re a horse racing fan.

Here in the U.S., most bettors are already familiar with our major racing events. The Santa Ynez Stakes, a Grade 2 race for 3-year-old fillies, kicks off the year at Santa Anita Park in January. The spring and summer months bring The Triple Crown, with the Kentucky Derby (and Kentucky Oaks) getting underway at Churchill Downs. Following the Travers Stakes in August, the Breeders’ Cup World Championship takes center stage in the fall.

Then, of course, there are the world-class horse-racing events happening over the other side of the pond. The Cheltenham Festival in Prestbury Park happens every March and is home to the “Blue Riband of jump racing,” the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Easily the most prestigious National Hunt race, the title has been claimed by leading lights in the equine world since its inauguration in 1924, including Arkle, five-time champion Golden Miller, Best Mate, and the appropriately named reigning champion Galopin Des Champs.

The four-day festival is quickly followed by the infamous Grand National at Aintree racecourse, Liverpool. This iconic steeplechase — the showpiece of a three-day festival — is embedded into horse racing and pop culture alike and is synonymous with the late, great Thoroughbred, Red Rum. And that’s not forgetting the Irish and Welsh Grand Nationals, taking place in April and December respectively.

However, while the UK and U.S. are both epicenters of Grade 1 racing, there’s some incredible action to be found in all four corners of the globe. The Hong Kong Cup, for instance, is the world’s richest 2,000-meter turf race. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to be Down Under for the Melbourne Cup, you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed “the race that stops the nation”.