Horse racing is one of the most famous pastimes around the world, with millions of fans having been glued to the action on track for the best part of two centuries.

Despite ongoing calls, the sport is able to seamlessly adapt to modern-day demands, meaning that it remains one of the most popular in various countries across the globe.

Its popularity is at its highest around the times of the biggest meetings on the schedule, with even those that wouldn’t typically bet on the horses making wagers on races such as the Kentucky Derby and Grand National.

Going to the races is also one of the most unique days out, as there are few other sports on the planet where you can get up close and personal with the stars before they go out to strut their tough.

But, what are some of the most popular horse races in the world, and how does it compare with other sports in terms of popularity?

Modern Day Popularity

While many believe that popularity within the sport has dropped off, the stats prove that it is among the most popular in the world. Unlike typical North American sports such as basketball, American Football, and ice hockey, horse racing action is popular across the globe.

Therefore, it isn’t surprising that over 1.45 billion people watch the action on annual basis. Such is its popularity in European nations, that it ranks among the biggest sports when it comes to regular attendances.

That is none more so evident than in the United Kingdom, where only football sees more people pass through the entry gates than horse racing. Horse racing events in the UK are cultural dates for the diary in the nation, with the Cheltenham Festival, held across four days in March, being the standout for many on the jumps calendar.

Meanwhile, flat meetings such as Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby, and Champions Day sell out months in advance before the first race is due off.

You can find more information about wagering in these races here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/best-bets/

Most Famous Races

Kentucky Derby

The biggest race on the U.S. calendar is staged annually on the first Saturday in May, as horses aged three compete in the opening leg of the Triple Crown at Churchill Downs.

The Kentucky Derby is one of few events on the U.S. sporting calendar that captures the attention of the nation, which makes it one of the biggest for betting purposes. It dates back to 1875, and over $149.9 million was wagered on the race in 2019.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong generates the biggest horse racing revenue in the world, with 2009 seeing an average of $12.7 million turned over per race. That is six times bigger than the next best, and a massive difference to the $250,000 average in the United States.

Melbourne Cup

Australia is a passionate nation when it comes to horse racing, and there is no denying that the biggest race on the calendar for betting purposes comes in the form of the Melbourne Cup.

The Race that Stops a Nation is a cultural event within the nation, with many in the Victoria region given the day off to watch the action. As such, it is no surprise that the 2014 event saw over $300 million wagered on the Melbourne Cup.

Grand National

While the four-day Cheltenham Festival is the biggest racing event in the United Kingdom annually, the most popular race comes in the form of the Grand National. The race has been staged since 1839, with the field covering a total distance of four miles and navigating 30 fences at Aintree.

The three-day meet at Aintree has a huge global audience, with the racing action streamed in over 140 countries. Therefore, there is a belief that around £300 million was wagered on the race itself, with a further £150 million wagered on the other action at Aintree aside from the Grand National.

What Are The Most Popular Ways to Bet on Racing?

Modern-day betting on the sport has made wagering on horse racing more straightforward than ever. Long gone are the days when punters needed to visit their local bookies to make a bet, as gambles can be instantly made at the click of a button on your mobile device.

Win betting remains the popular type of bet to place on horse racing, as the bettor will simply look to wager their money on the runner that will win the race. If their horse finishes second or worse, then the stake is lost.

Place and show betting options are also popular among novice gamblers, as it offers a layer of insurance, as returns will be awarded should the selection finish second or third in the race.

For experienced bettors, exacta and trifecta wagers are common, as bets will need to include the first two and three runners, respectively, in the correct finishing order.

By Chris Bates