Horse racing is one of the most popular sports worldwide, from the brief yet thrilling races to the opportunity to win big if you choose the right bets and keep up to date with horse racing news. Whether flat racing is your thing, or you prefer to watch the exciting National Hunt events, fans are keen to know what 2021 has on the cards for horse racing around the world.
Dubai World Cup
Held at the luxurious Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the Dubai World Cup kicks off the world’s largest racing events. There are nine meetings between 7th January and 25th February, with Super Saturday taking place on the 6th March and the World Cup night on 27th March.
Cheltenham Festival
Held at Cheltenham Racecourse in England, from the 16th until the 19th March, Cheltenham Festival provides a number of key races for fans to bet on, from the Champion Hurdle to the Gold Cup. While March’s event is unlikely to look the same as it normally does, it’s still going to be a great start to the year’s racing.
Grand National
The Grand National is one of the top events for betting enthusiasts and 2021 will be no different – taking place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, racing fans can enjoy the exhilarating steeple chases over the course of the two-day event. The 2021 Grand National will take place between the 8th and 10th April.
Kentucky Derby
One part of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is one of the USA’s most prestigious and highly anticipated racing events. The Grade One event is held in Louisville, Kentucky, on 1st May, where spectators will watch the athletic Thoroughbreds race for the title at Churchill Downs.
Epsom Derby Festival
2021’s Epsom Derby will be held at Epsom Downs in Surrey between 4th and 5th June. This famous Group One flat race is run over one mile and has several feature races, including The Derby and The Oaks.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is one of the top racing events of the year in the UK, where even the Royal family attend. It’s an event filled with prestige, A-list spectators and world-famous races, such as the Gold Cup, the Coronation Stakes and the Golden Jubilee Stakes. The Royal Ascot takes place at the Ascot Racecourse in England between 15th and 19th June.
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Paris’ leading horse racing event, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is held on 3rd October at Longchamps. It’s one of the richest races in the world and Europe’s most prestigious all-aged race, where many highly acclaimed horses have competed over the years.
Melbourne Cup
One of the last big races of the year, the Melbourne Cup is an incredibly popular Thoroughbred race, held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. It’s known as the ‘race that stops a nation’ and has long been a tradition, dating back to 1861. 2021’s Melbourne Cup event will be held on 2nd November.
