The Melbourne Cup (Australia)
The Melbourne Cup is undoubtedly Australia’s premier horse racing event, having earned its reputation as “the race that stops the nation.” Held annually on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse, this 3200-meter Group 1 handicap race is one of the most important fixtures on the global horse racing calendar.
The Melbourne Cup is not just a sports event; it’s a big part of Australian culture. It’s a public holiday in Victoria, and millions of people watch it on TV across the country. Both professional gamblers and people who bet for fun are interested in it. The betting opportunities surrounding this race are immense. Traditional bets like win, place, and each-way wagers are popular, but other bets like trifectas and first fours can pay out more. This is especially true since the race is unpredictable.
With horses from all over the world, the Melbourne Cup is a thrilling event that no bettor should miss.
The Caulfield Cup (Australia)
Another cornerstone of the Australian spring racing season is the Caulfield Cup at Caulfield Racecourse just weeks before the Melbourne Cup. This 2400-meter Group 1 race is one of the richest handicap races in the world, making it a major highlight on the Australian horse racing calendar.
The Caulfield Cup is a prestigious race that’s beloved by punters not only for its own merits but also because it often serves as a precursor to the Melbourne Cup, offering valuable insights into potential contenders. This race presents a variety of betting opportunities, ranging from straightforward win bets to more strategic wagers like doubles and quinellas, where you can combine results with other races in the spring carnival.
The Royal Ascot (United Kingdom)
Beyond Australia, the Royal Ascot is one of the most famous horse racing events globally. It happens over five days in June at Ascot Racecourse, near London. The event is grand and important, attracting the best horses, jockeys, and bettors worldwide.
With numerous Group 1 races throughout the week, including the iconic Gold Cup, the Royal Ascot offers countless betting opportunities for punters looking to back the best in the sport. The Royal Ascot is a key fixture in the international horse racing calendar, with a wide variety of race types and distances ensuring something for every bettor’s taste.
The Kentucky Derby (United States)
The Kentucky Derby is the crown jewel of American horse racing and the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown. Held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, Louisville, this 2000-meter race is known for its pageantry, including the tradition of “The Run for the Roses.”
Betting on the Kentucky Derby is a global affair, attracting punters from all over the world. With large betting pools, the race offers fantastic betting opportunities, whether you’re backing a favorite for a simple win bet or diving into the more complex wagers like exactas or superfectas. As one of the top events in horse racing, the Kentucky Derby is an absolute must for any serious bettor.
The Cox Plate (Australia)
Back on home turf, the Cox Plate is another standout event in the Australian horse racing calendar. Held in October at Moonee Valley Racecourse, the Cox Plate is a weight-for-age race over 2040 meters, known for attracting the best middle-distance horses in the world.
Punters love the Cox Plate for its high level of competition and the betting opportunities it provides. With horses vying for one of the richest purses in Australian racing, the Cox Plate frequently sees intense rivalries that make for thrilling betting prospects. From betting on the favorites to taking a punt on the underdogs, this race offers options for both casual and strategic bettors.
The Grand National (United Kingdom)
The Grand National is a steeplechase like no other. Held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, it’s one of the toughest and most unpredictable races in the world, making it a must-watch event for any bettor.
With 30 fences and a course stretching over four miles, the Grand National is notorious for its unpredictability, making it a favorite among punters looking for high-risk, high-reward bets. The betting opportunities for the Grand National are diverse, with the unpredictability of the race often leading to long-shot winners and massive payouts. This race is a key fixture in the international horse racing calendar and one of the top events for both seasoned and novice bettors alike.
The Everest (Australia)
One of the most exciting and lucrative additions to the Australian racing scene, The Everest is held at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney every October. It’s the richest turf race in the world, with a prize pool of $15 million, making it a must-see event for any punter.
What makes The Everest unique is its slot system, where participants must buy a spot to compete. This leads to intense competition and fantastic betting opportunities as the world’s best sprinters battle it out over 1200 meters. With so much on the line, The Everest is quickly becoming a favorite in the Australian horse racing calendar.
The Sydney Cup (Australia)
Rounding off the list is the Sydney Cup, held in April at Royal Randwick Racecourse. This 3200-metre Group 1 race is one of the highlights of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, attracting top stayers from across the country and abroad.
As part of the Australian horse racing calendar, the Sydney Cup is known for its competitive field and exciting finishes. Punters can enjoy a wide array of betting opportunities, from traditional win-and-place bets to more complex multi-race bets like doubles and trebles. The Sydney Cup is a great race for bettors who enjoy a longer-distance test of stamina and skill.