Horse racing is an incredibly popular sport that has seen growth in viewership, peaking in the 21st century. The combination of the thrill of a race and the overall experience makes for unforgettable memories that even non horse racing fans seek to experience. Some people may prefer to play slots online, whereas some may choose to place bets whilst at the races. Different racecourses may offer varied facilities, meaning there are some incredibly high end settings that are a bucket list experience for horse racing enthusiasts. With that being said, we will be taking a look at the top 4 racecourses every horse racing fan needs to visit.
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is one of the most extravagant racecourses in the world, with a prestigious setting and a glamorous scene. The site itself consists of a white palace like building, complemented by luxurious green and gold accents that elevate the site. The track is the home of the biggest race in the United States, potentially one of the biggest in the world, the Kentucky Derby.
The over 150 year old racecourse has invited numerous celebrities and influencers to witness some incredible moments over the years. The atmosphere in the stands is always electric, making it the perfect opportunity to share the experience on social media. Visitors can also explore an on-site exhibition that showcases the rich history of the Kentucky Derby. Overall, the experience of visiting Churchill Downs is second to none, making it a bucket list place to go for any horse racing enthusiast.
Royal Ascot
The Royal Ascot Racecourse is a setting that is like no other, with a breathtaking main stand and modern structure that help to create a unique experience. What makes this racecourse special is the Royal influence that has made the world famous Royal Ascot Festival an incredible tradition that has thrived ever since 1711. To make the experience even more different to your average race day, a strict dress code is in place, making a traditional style that matches the history of the track. The combination of thrilling racing and getting involved in the action through fashion, as well as the Royal and celebrity guests, makes the Royal Ascot a fan favourite when it comes to horse racing.
It’s often regarded as the number one place to visit for horse racing fans in the UK, even drawing in enthusiasts from around the world.
Longchamp
Located in the capital of France, Paris, the Longchamp racecourse is host to one of the richest and most prestigious flat races in the world, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The turf racecourse itself is perfect for flat races, and is regarded as the ideal place to test the most elite thoroughbreds. The historic course opened in 1857, but was provided with some modern developments in 2018 that allow a capacity of approximately 50,000 people. The site has had plenty of Royal influence and has been given prestige by the likes of Napoleon III. The site has lost some of its roots as a result of the developments, making it a much more modern site, but the atmosphere remains. It is a great racecourse in terms of displaying French culture, even providing a view of the Eiffel Tower on a clear day.
Tokyo Racecourse
Tokyo Racecourse is typical of the incredible Japanese hospitality and facilities that cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. Located in Fuchu City, it is relatively out of the way from the centre of Tokyo, but has astonishing scenery of green spaces and cherry trees, as well as the potential to view Mt Fuji on a clear day from the top level of the stands. It’s home to the biggest race in the Japanese horse racing calendar, the Japan Cup, making it an extremely prestigious site in the country.
The site opened in 1933, making it not one of the most modern racetracks in the world, but it has plenty of technological developments, typical of Japanese culture. It can host around 223,000 people, with food and beverage sites scattered around the facilities. Despite the incredibly friendly nature, the atmosphere is equally as impressive as any other track in the world.
In Conclusion
There are plenty of incredible facilities around the world for fans to take in the unique atmosphere that is produced by horse racing fans. What makes a great venue is the combination of providing great facilities, a friendly environment, a vibrant crowd, but also showcasing the culture and heritage of the country that it resides in. There are plenty of other racecourses around the world that fans should be keen to visit, but these are the top 4 around the world that draw the most attention.
