Horse racing isn’t just a competition; it’s a social and cultural event that brings people with the same passion together. Major races have been a part of the world for a long time. They’re known for their thrilling races, as well as their ceremonies and traditions. Among the race tracks available in the world, these are the most iconic venues to visit.
Horse Racing and Its Traditions
The Royal Ascot is known for requiring visitors to show up in elegant dresses and sharp suits. However, each race track offers a different atmosphere that invites a different community looking for a specific social vibe.
The Kentucky Derby is known for its festive atmosphere. Spectators come with extravagant hats and will enjoy mint juleps. Although the horse racing is still the main event, they’re also there for the festivities.
On the other hand, the Melbourne Cup in Australia is so significant that it has been seen as an event that the whole nation will always be excited about. It’s the country’s national pride and heritage to the point that people would make the time to watch and celebrate.
Apart from fashion, celebration, and the races, betting is another tradition that comes alongside horse racing events. Wagering on the outcome of the race has been a part of so many sports, including horse racing, since their early times. For fans, it can be an activity that they participate in for the excitement or a form of engagement with the sport.
The era of technology has also brought sports betting closer to sports fans. There are online sportsbooks, apps, and other ways where fans can participate in online horse racing betting. They don’t have to physically go to racetracks anymore; some platforms also allow fans to watch the race while placing their bets.
The form of horse racing betting has evolved significantly since its earlier form. It used to start as informal bets between spectators, but now they’re mostly regulated and organized by professional sportsbooks like Sportsbet.
3 of the Most Iconic Horse Racetracks
There are many racetracks available around the world. However, some of them remained as the most iconic, whether it’s due to their historical significance, their designs, or other qualities. Even though horse racing is now highly accessible online, watching the race in person still gives a unique experience. For travelers who are into horse races, visiting these racetracks is a must!
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs is one of the most memorable racetrack venues in the world. Founded in 1863, Saratoga Springs has been a place where some of the top horses in history have raced. Many of these great horses were beaten when they were there to the point that the racetrack received the nickname, the “Graveyard of Champions.”
Saratoga Race Course became the oldest organized sporting venue in the country. The world’s most accomplished thoroughbreds have raced there, and the race course was the first to set a standard among racetracks.
Filmmakers have been used in several movies as a background. It had appeared in Seabiscuit, The Horse Whisperer, and My Old Man, among many movies. The race course had also been used by authors as the background setting. One that people may know is Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel, Diamonds Are Forever. Stephen Dobyns and Edna Ferber had also mentioned the race course in their books.
As a visitor, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the racetrack in person. However, the track’s main attraction is the Big Red Spring in the backyard picnic area. It’s a mineral spring opened inside the race course’s complex in 1975.
The Travers Canoe gives a serene view, and faithful fans would be reminded of its significance to a previous champion. Visitors will also hear the sound of a hand-rung bell 17 minutes before each post, which is a reminder for horses and riders to go. It’s a tradition done prior to the era of audio systems and jumbotrons.
Churchill Downs, Kentucky
Established in 1875, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, had become one of the most iconic horse racetracks in the world. It currently still hosts the biggest horse race in America, the Kentucky Derby. Visitors coming on the first Saturday in May will get to experience the race alongside over 100,000 other horse racing enthusiasts.
The hype surrounding horse racing at Churchill Downs has increased over the years. Thursday and Friday cards still attract large crowds as they come to see top-notch horses compete. Visiting Churchill Downs means tourists will also get to see its landmark, the Twin Spires, a significant statement for all race fans and citizens of Kentucky.
If you’re a true horse racing fan, tours are offering you the chance to see what goes down behind the thoroughbred racing events taking place at Churchill Downs. You’ll get the complete historical side of the place and see all key areas of the track. You’ll get a glimpse of the Winner’s Circle to learn more about how champions are celebrated.
For those coming fully for the history side of the venue, there’s the Kentucky Derby Museum to visit. It exhibits house artifacts detrimental to the race’s history. It’s also an exciting experience for tourists who are into horse care, as they’ll get insights about how these racehorses are cared for.
Royal Ascot
When discussing iconic racetracks, it’s impossible to leave out the Royal Ascot in the UK. Founded in 1711, The Royal Ascot meets has gone beyond just a place to celebrate racing days each June. The meet has also become one of Great Britain’s premier social media events. Not only for regular horse racing fans, some of the royal family members have been seen visiting, including Queen Elizabeth, who was known as an owner of a high-level string of thoroughbreds.
There are several enclosures at the Royal Ascot with different dress codes, from luxury hospitality to a more laid-back picnicking vibe. The Royal Enclosure is an exclusive area reserved for family and invited guests. However, you can book a reservation at the designated Royal Enclosure restaurants for the most luxurious experience. This is the enclosure that demands strict dress codes, encouraging elegance and finesse.
The Queen Anne Enclosure is the public’s premier enclosure with access to the majority of amenities. You’ll get to enjoy trackside race viewing, the parade ring, and the grandstand ground floor. There are also multiple dining and bar options, which are ideal for visitors looking for the best social experience.
The Village Enclosure is slightly more laid-back, but still gives the elegant side of the experience. You’ll get to see the iconic Ascot grandstand views with multiple food and beverage options for a stylish yet relaxed experience. Choosing this enclosure means you’ll get access to the fantastic afterparty and several private facilities.
Last but not least is the Windsor Enclosure that provides the most friendly vibe. If you’re coming with a group or with your family, this would be the best enclosure to choose. Although it offers fewer amenities than the other enclosures, you’ll still get the Royal Ascot experience.
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