Horse racing is known worldwide as being a British institution, due to its popularity around the UK.

There are many major races that take place on British turf, with many of them attracting significant numbers in terms of global audiences and actual race-goers. This can include the Royal Family and many A-list celebrities, as well as punters who are looking to enjoy a day out at the races.

What are the biggest horse racing events in the UK?

Not all racing events across the country enjoy this type of attraction or attention from fans, though, as this is usually reserved for just some of the biggest races that take place.

There are some races that are dated and circled each year because of how big and popular they have become, with many race-goers having to try and get tickets almost a year in advance because of how desirable of a spectacle they have become. Of course, while the horse racing usually takes center stage, the atmosphere and social aspects of certain meets can often be a big enough reason on its own for people to attend the events that take place.

Cheltenham Festival

Arguably one of the biggest festivals to take place globally in horse racing, the Cheltenham Festival is one of those that many look forward to with each year. It’s a festival that lasts four days and will see many of the best jump horses take to the track and compete in some of the most prestigious races, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup being the biggest of them all. The festival is usually held in March, with it typically being the week of St. Patrick’s Day. And, with the Irish usually being very successful at the festival, it’s a rather exciting time in the horse racing calendar.

Grand National

Perhaps the biggest race to take place in the UK, the Grand National is one that appeals to many each year it takes place. Held on the Saturday of the three-day festival at Aintree, it’s a race that often attracts millions of people from all over the world. The race can see up to 40 horses compete in which they do two circuits of the track and have to jump a total of 30 fences before crossing the finishing line, hence why it has become a horse race betting favorite and one of the biggest events in the country.

Epsom Derby

The Epsom Derby is held in June each year and is one of the most prestigious flat races that is held annually. It is also one of the longest-running meets, having first started back in 1780. The course tests the very best horses as there are many elements that need to be navigated successfully if they are to win, including speed, balance, and stamina. This is why you usually see the very best three-year-old Thoroughbreds tackling it. The Derby continues to attract crowds of prestige, with the Royal Family and A-list Celebrities among them, as well as regular punters looking to ensure they are the best-dressed.

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot has been running since 1839 and has continued to attract the Royal Family as spectators, thus helping to make it one of the most prestigious race events in British horse racing. Hundreds of thousands of fans attend the event, as they see some of the best horse racing in the UK each June when the festival is on. The races are themed on the Royal Family due to the racecourses’ initial founding by Queen Anne in 1711, enhancing its reputation as one of the most prestigious on the calendar.

Horse racing continues to grow in Britain

While there are arguments to suggest that horse racing has been on a decline in terms of attendances at some of the smaller events, it is clear that the sport is still well-loved by punters across the UK when it comes to the biggest meets and festivals.

With each meeting providing something different and horses getting even better, the industry is in a good place and looks set to become even more competitive. That can only be considered good news for the top racing competitions in the UK.

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