There are few sports that have the global appeal that can match horse racing. Action on the track is staged in all four corners of the world, making it a perfect hobby for those with deep pockets. 

However, even the average racing fan is able to assemble a list of bucket list locations that they would love to visit on at least one occasion. Each track will have its own history, and there are different traditions that shape some of the world’s most iconic races. 

But, what are some of the must-visit destinations for fans of horse racing?

Saratoga 

It could be argued that there are few more picturesque racetracks in the United States than Saratoga. Located in the idyllic Saratoga Springs on the outskirts of New York, the track is considered to be one of the oldest major sporting venues in North America. In fact, it is the fourth oldest racecourse in the United States. 

Saratoga’s inaugural meet only lasted for four days in 1863, but due to the popularity of racing at the venue, this has increased considerably throughout history. It has also had the honor of staging two editions of the Belmont Stakes in recent years. 

However, the track’s biggest race on the calendar comes in the form of the Travers Stakes. Regarded as the midsummer derby, the race typically attracts a star-studded field, and it is often used as the final prep before the Breeders’ Cup. However, there have been some shock results in the race, with American Pharaoh being one of the most recent short price favorites to lose the race in 2015. 

Check the TwinSpires horse racing picks for Saratoga here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/ 

Ascot

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most historic racecourses on the planet, but few are able to attract the high-quality fields and attendance numbers as Ascot. Located on the outskirts of London, Ascot has held racing since it opened in 1711. Since then, it has become a national institution, with high-quality action being staged across its 300-year history. 

Ascot regularly welcomes around 300,000 fans per year, with the winter months seeing eight jumps meetings staged. However, it is the summer when the track comes alive, with the course playing host to 13 of the 36 annual Group 1s. 

The vast majority of which are held during the prestigious five-day Royal Ascot meeting in June. The early history of the Royal meet dates back to the introduction of the Gold Cup in 1807, and the meet is a must-visit for all fans of the sport, as it is unlike anything else on the sporting calendar. 

Paris-Longchamp

A trip to Europe isn’t complete with a visit to the world’s most romantic city- Paris. However, the French capital is also a paradise for the sports fans, with world-leading soccer and basketball clubs calling Paris home. Meanwhile, it is also a must-visit location for horse racing lovers. 

Longchamp is situated on the outskirts of the city centre, and is has been the home of racing in France since 1857. The track is only used for flat racing, and it is widely considered to be one of the most testing courses in Europe, with competitors having to travel uphill in the closing stages. A total of 46 different starting posts are used at the course, and it plays host to more than half of the Group One races that are held in the nation. 

However, few are as prestigious as the career-altering Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This race is held on the first Sunday in October, and it is considered to be the world’s most prestigious turf race. Held since 1920, the field will compete over 2,400 metres in the Arc, with legendary stars such as Enable, Alleged, and Treve all winning the race. 

Randwick Racecourse

Racing fans that are looking to travel a little further afield should add Randwick to their bucket-list locations. Randwick opened its doors to the public in 1883, as it was constructed to replace Hyde Park and become the home of racing in Sydney. Since Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in February 1992, it has been known as Royal Randwick. 

The course located on the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney is one of the most popular courses in Australia. It is known affectionately by those in the area as HQ, and it plays host to some of the nation’s most lucrative races. Among those include The Everest, which is Australia’s richest race, and worth a staggering $15 million. 

However, Randwick’s calendar is deep throughout the calendar year, also including the two-day season-ending meet named The Championships in April. Further notable races on the calendar include Group One races such as the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Australian Derby. Overall, there are three major events to target, including the Sydney Carnival, and the Chinese Festival of racing.