Popular Race Courses Around the World There’s something special about horse racing. It’s mainly the thrill of the action on the track when the race starts, but also the special relationship between the horse and the jockey. The drama as the contestants race towards the finish is very exciting. Add in the element of winning or losing a bet increases the excitement of the viewers. This sometimes leads to very inspiring wins that show how beautiful and unpredictable this sport really is. Much like boxing and wrestling, horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world with racing venues in many different countries around the world. Here we’re shortlisting some of the courses that stand out. Flemington (Melbourne, AU) 2015 Melbourne Cup at Flemington - Prince Of Penzance and Michelle Payne win The CupHealy Racing PhotosThe Flemington racetrack is one of the oldest horse racing courses in the world. Located next to the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne, this track was opened way back in 1840. Flemington is host to the famous Melbourne Cup - the richest two-mile handicap race in the world — which has been run at the course since 1861. The 2018 Melbourne Cup will have a total prize purse of A$7.3 million and an estimated 100,000 people will be in attendance. The record crowd at Femington is 129,089 which was achieved in 2006 but to combat overcrowding there is now a reduced capacity of 120,000 in place. The Flemington track is the home of 13 Group 1 races ranging from 1,000 meters to 3,200 meters - which is the Melbourne Cup distance. Watching the Melbourne Cup at Flemington is an unforgettable experience whether you are a punter placing bets or just there for the spectacle. The atmosphere is electric as the big race approaches and punters are hoping their lucky hunch pays off. If you are ever in Australia on the first Tuesday in November and are planning a trip to Flemington Racecourse, make sure to check out the best horse racing sites in Australia. Curragh Racecourse (IRE) Redevelopment work at The CurraghHealy Racing PhotosRacing horses on the Curragh of Co. Kildare in Ireland dates back to the time of Jesus Christ when chariot races took place across the vast glacial plain. Horse racing is in the DNA of the Irish and the Curragh Racecourse is probably the best track in all Ireland. Located on the outskirts of Newbridge, Co. Kildare the Curragh hosts all of the 5 Group 1 Classic events in Irish horse racing: Irish 1,000 Guineas, Irish 2,000 Guineas, Irish Derby, Irish Oaks and Irish St. Leger. The Grandstand area of the racecourse is currently being redeveloped with the project set for completion in 2019. Meydan Racecourse (Dubai, UAE) The Meydan Racecourse is one of the most beautiful horse racing tracks on the planet - period. And it’s no surprise that it was built in Dubai, where people are pushing the architectural boundaries to a whole new level. This 2010 landmark cost $1.25bn to construct, and is the longest Grandstand on the planet at over a mile in length. There’s also a five-star hotel that overlooks the track with an infinity pool on the top. The views on the track are simply breathtaking, and seeing this complex should be the number one item on any horse racing enthusiast's bucket list Ascot (Berkshire, UK) Royal AscotHealy Racing PhotosThe Ascot Racecourse is the home of some of the most famous horse racing events in the UK including The Gold Cup, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Built in 1711 in Berkshire, Ascot, UK, it is the oldest track that we’re mentioning in this article. Overall, 9 of Great Britain’s 32 Group 1 races take place right here on the Ascot track. This racecourse has a rich past and plays an important role in UK’s history. Ever since it’s opening in 1711, the Royal Ascot race week has been an important event in the British social calendar. It is attended by many important people including members from the British Royal Family. Over 300,000 people watch the events during the five-day long event, and more than 7 million pounds are awarded in prize money. Santa Anita (Arcadia, USA) Santa AnitaHealy Racing PhotosMany people consider this is the most impressive horse racing track in the world. The Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, US, right under the California’s San Gabriel mountains. This track is very important to the sport of horse racing, as it introduced many innovations that improved the sport of horse racing globally. Such improvements include electronic timers, finish line cameras and electronic starting gates. The view from the 26,000 seats grandstand overlooking the track and the mountains is simply amazing. Around the track itself, you’ll find trees and picnic tables. This track has held a total of 9 Breeders’ Cups - which is an all-time record. Tokyo Racecourse (Japan) The Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, Tokyo. It is one of the largest horse racing tracks in the world, with the capacity to hold up to 223,000 visitors. It is referred as “The Racecourse of Racecourses” by the locals, and that comes with a reason. The complex features a jump course, a dirt track and 5 different grass types. The Tokyo Racecourse is the home to 8 Group 1 races including the Japan Cup, Japanese Derby, Japanese Oaks and the popular Asial Mile Challenge. If you’re planning on visiting this track, there are a number of hotels you can stay at near the racecourse. Longchamp (Paris, FR) Longchamp is a popular 140-acre horse racing complex located near Paris. It hosts all types of races from 1,000 to 4,000 meters, and is the home of half of France’s Group 1 races. The most famous one is without any doubt, is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe - which is one of Europe’s most prestigious races.