Top Horse Races in the World to Bet On
Horse Racing is one of the top spectator sports in the world. For example, the Kentucky Derby alone attracted 16 million viewers on NBC in 2022. For many fans of the sport, the enjoyment is not only about watching races but also about placing a wager on the action.
Horse racing is in the top 10 sports bet on in the US and in the UK, where the market is expected to attract $7 billion in revenue by 2025. Bettors often wagers at offshore sites such as those listed as one of the best sites in this guide, and they choose the top races to watch and bet on.
The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May each year at Churchill Downs. It’s a race over one and a quarter mile for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. If you are betting on this race, there are some tips to be aware of.
- In recent races, tactical speed has been present in most winners, with seven of the last eight tracking the pace of the race from no further back than third place.
- Seven of the last 11 winners of the race have wintered in California.
- Since 1882, only one winner of the race did not race as a two-year-old.
The Melbourne Cup takes place on the first Tuesday of November each year. It’s a 3,200-meter race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds hosted at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The race is the richest “two-mile” handicap in the world. If you are going to place a bet on this race, there are some factors to be aware of.
- Only two mares have won this race in the last 20 years.
- A win or place in one of the Group races of the current season can be an indicator of Melbourne Cup success.
The Grand National is one of the most popular horse races with fans, especially those in the United Kingdom (UK). It’s a handicap steeplechase that is run over five miles and two and a half furlongs. The race consists of two laps and 30 fences, and it’s the most valuable jump race in Europe. If you are placing a wager on this race, there are some hints to be aware of.
- Proven stamina is essential for a horse to compete in this race.
- Going by previous races, nine-year-olds have the best chance of success in the race.
- Horses that have previous form over the National fences, in races such as the Topham Chase and the Becher Chase often perform well in the big race.
The Breeder’s Cup Classic is a race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds that takes place at a different course each year. On every occasion, except one when it was held in Toronto, the race has been hosted in the US. This Classic is run over a distance of one and a quarter mile on dirt. If you are placing a bet on this race, you should be aware of several things.
- Thirteen of the horses that won the race between 2002 and 2021 won their final prep race before the big event.
- 65% of the winners between 2002 and 2021 won at odds of 7-1 or less.
- Tactical speed has become an increasingly important factor in the race in recent years.
The Epsom Derby is run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, UK, on the first Saturday in June each year. The distance of the race is one mile, four furlongs, and 10 yards. The race is a historic event in the UK having first taken place in 1780. When placing a bet on this race, it helps to know certain information.
- Derby trial races, like the Dante Stakes, are a good indicator of Derby success.
- Breeding should be carefully considered by bettors with features such as stamina being important.
The information about betting in these top races does not guarantee success. However, it can be useful in helping you to choose horses that are more likely to be successful.
