Few things can beat the experience of attending prestige horse racing events, which are still fondly regarded in the United Kingdom, forming part of the traditional annual sporting calendar. Home to some of the most historic and globally famous races, this is a country where equestrian activities form part of the national culture, dating back generations yet still hugely popular in the modern era.
Of course, we don’t always have the time or the chances to visit racecourses on their biggest days each year, although there are alternatives. Many of the best horse racing betting sites in the UK provide live streaming coverage, granting us the opportunity to wager as we view, per the latest expert reviews via SBO. They focus on providing knowledgeable access to wagering on the races, accompanied by tips and advice including where to find value odds and offers.
Handy to know, should you ever be drawn to watching some of the most important horse racing action available in the UK, given the ‘Sport of Kings’ continues to earn that moniker for its royal ties. But for common folk like ourselves, let’s take a look at the biggest events we can all participate in enjoying, whether from the stands at venues or watching from the comfort of our own homes.
Jump Races
Insofar as major events go, they rarely come bigger than the annual Cheltenham Festival in March, when the local racecourse is packed with fans from around the world. This four-day festival featured a total of 28 races in 2022, several of which are Grade 1 such as the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and the Stayers’ Hurdle. The jewel in the crown is the Cheltenham Gold Cup on the final day.
By far the most famous both nationally and internationally, the auspiciously named Grand National is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool during early April. Having earned a reputation as the toughest and most challenging event in horse racing, even people who don’t usually follow racing follow this one, which also makes this one of the most profitable days each year for the bookmakers.
Insofar as traditions go, Boxing Day in the United Kingdom is a permanent fixture during the Christmas celebrations, as is the King George VI Chase since it began back in 1937. Held at Kempton Park Racecourse in Surrey, some of the most iconic horses in racing history have enjoyed multiple victories in this great race. They include four wins for Desert Orchid between 1986 and 1990, followed by five wins for Kauto Star between 2006 and 2011.
Flat Races
When it comes to flat racing we cannot ignore the five British Classics, which essentially take place over three legs at three different venues. To start the flat-racing season we have the 2,000 Guineas Stakes and the 1,000 Guineas Stakes, both of which are held in late April or early May at Newmarket Racecourse. This venue is also considered to be the home of British horseracing, where many of the key organisations and training yards are located.
Looking ahead to the end of May and first Saturday of June each year, The Oaks is the first of two prestigious flat races held at Epsom Downs, followed by The Derby. These races date back to 1779 and 1780 respectively, while this original ‘Derby’is the one that lends all others their name, including the iconic American version held in Kentucky.
Rounding off the annual flat racing calendar, the final major event of the year is the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster Racecourse. This is the oldest of the five British Classics, dating back to the first running in 1776. Incredibly, despite all the legendary horses that have competed over the years, none have won all five. Two came close, when Formosa won four in 1868 and Sceptre repeated that feat in 1902.
Unmissable Events
All of these horse racing events are cherished parts of British sporting culture, making them unmissable should the opportunity arise to attend. While it can sometimes be quite expensive to attend the races, particularly if partaking of the VIP activities and areas, all the racecourses are striving to make going to the races more accessible, providing more affordable tickets. This is great news for anyone eager to experience the great atmosphere.