From Mumbai to Pune, we see some top-quality horse racing here in India over our six racecourses, and fans can’t get enough of what is growing to become one of the country’s most loved sports. Events were held here as early as 1777, and India West reports the first race was run in Madras, now known as Chennai.
But whilst we have over 200 years of history, many other places around the world can claim to it being even more historic. In the United States, the earliest recorded races took place over a century before those on our shores, and the horses in the races were considered thoroughbreds, much like in England.
With such a rich heritage, horse racing worldwide has grown into an industry in its own right, with some estimates suggesting it’s worth billions. The biggest races are sporting occasions watched by millions in their homes, the countries where they take place can almost come to a stop, and the winning horses and jockeys become household names. So, let’s quickly move onto some of those famous events and compile our list of the most prestigious races in 2022, so you can mark your diary and not miss a moment.
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby has been running in the U.S.A. since May 1875 and still takes place in the same month as it did 147 years ago. This year it takes place on May 7th, and the thousands who will line the track are regular fans, but many sporting stars and A-list celebrities also visit the course. The derby winner takes home an astonishing $1.86m (₹138m) in the race that lasts around two minutes; Secretariat set the fastest time back in 1973, winning in 1min 59secs. However, last year’s winner Medina Spirit got very close, with his finishing time of 2mins 1sec.
Royal Ascot
The five-day event is one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar. This year it runs from June 14th-June 18th at the course just west of London, England, and will be celebrating its 254th running this year. One of the most famous names synonymous with Royal Ascot is Frankie Dettori, the Italian born jockey who made the headlines in 1996 by winning all seven races over the event. Now over 25 years later, he’s still the man to beat, highlighted by his three back-to-back victories in the meeting’s headline race, the Gold Cup in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Dettori’s ride from those successive wins, Stradivarius, is already one of the outright favourites with Coral for Royal Ascot 2022, and it’s widely expected the record-breaking jockey will be in the saddle once again. However, he’ll have stiff opposition in last year’s winner Subjectivist, will be looking to get his name back at the top of British racing.
Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe
This meeting is France’s prestige horse racing event held in the first week of October, and it’s the richest race in Europe with a prize purse of €5m (₹421.5m), which attracts some of the wealthiest owners in the world. The race takes place at the Longchamp racecourse in Paris, and this year people will be wondering if they will see another shock like the one witnessed in 2021. It was one of the biggest upsets in racing history as the rank outsider Torquater Tasso romped to victory in the 100th running of the race, becoming the second-ever horse from Germany to win Europe’s most prestigious race beating the favourite, Tarnawa, into second place.
Horse racing is a sport which brings people together, and one which can be enjoyed all year round thanks to them being shown on TV. We hope you liked our look forward to some of the best races taking place worldwide and enjoy cheering on your favourites.
