Horse racing has been a beloved sport for centuries and has brought together people from all over the world to take part, spectate and bet with Timeform on the exhilarating races of each prestigious event. Many of us have watched the races on the television or placed and bet, but if you are looking to take your experience to the next level and attend the races, here are the best UK horse races and all you need to know about them.
The Grand National
A world-famous event and considered the most difficult to navigate horse track due to the 16 steeplechase jumps, the Grand National is an event held every April for three days and catches the eye of around 600 million viewers worldwide, including around 150,000 spectators across the days of the event.
The Grand National has been run since 1839 and held at Aintree in Liverpool, since the beginning the track has been improved and made much more difficult, making for a more exciting and eventful race. But, not to worry, as the fences have been adapted to ensure that danger is reduced for both the safety of the horse and jockeys.
Royal Ascot
Held annually in June, Royal Ascot if another prestigious horse racing event in the UK, most known for its class and pageantry. The royal history of the event, such as Queen Ann creating the event, and the continued support of the race by the Royal family makes Ascot a popular event by many. The event lasts a period of five days and consists of one Group 1 race each of these days.
The reputation of the event is taken very seriously, more so than many other racing events and requires guest to abide by a strict dress code and a multitude of other rues to ensure that the races are a beautiful day out for every to enjoy; gives racegoers an excuse to dress-up and experience the historic class of the sport.
Cheltenham Festival
Home of the ‘Cheltenham Roar’, the festival lasted a total of four days in March every year and bring horse racing fans together from all over the world, being on the UK’s biggest and most famous races. The national hunt race is one of the most important races and has a purse only second to the Grand National, not only is the race popular for those taking part but the event is beloved by spectators and is well known for its atmosphere that generates enormous amounts of noise from the fans due to the excitement of each race.
Epsom Derby
One of the richest races in the UK, with a purse of £1.5 million, the Epsom Derby is a popular summer event that takes place over two days in June each year. The races are full of excitement due to the difficulty and test of stamina that the racers go through for the win. The races are open to colts and fillies of three years of age.