6. Sheema Classic
Date: Last Saturday in March
Location: Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, UAE
Surface: Turf
Distance: 2,400m
Prize Purse: $6,000,000
- Horse racing in the Middle East is loved by Sheikhs and, so valuable races have sprung up there.
- The Sheema Classic is one of the world’s most valuable turf races first contested in 1998; however, entries into it depend on where a horse comes from.
- Although Southern Hemisphere thoroughbreds can be aged three or more, the race is only open to Northern Hemisphere aged four and up.
- The grandstand at Meydan Racecourse seats more than 80,000 people.
4. Breeders’ Cup Classic
Date: First Saturday in November
Location: A different racetracks in North America each year
Surface: Dirt
Distance: 2,000m
Prize Purse: $6,000,000
- The concept of the Breeders’ Cup is unique in the history of global horse racing. This two-day meeting is organized at different venuein the USA (and once in Canada) everys year.
- A series of qualifying “win and you are in” races are organized around the world for a variety of Breeders’ Cup events.
- The Breeders’ Cup Classic, a weight-for-age race open to three-year-olds and up, is presently one of the most famous horse races since first taking place in 1984.
- We can’t mention this event without highlighting the Breeders’ Cup Turf -another valuable race during the meeting.
3. Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Date: First Sunday in October
Location: Longchamp Racecourse, Paris
Surface: Turf
Distance: 2,400m
Prize Purse: $5,600,000
- Perhaps the most famous horse race in Europe, the Arc has almost a century of history after the inaugural running was held in 1920.
- This race is open to three-year-olds and up; however, geldings cannot enter.
- Mares and fillies have an especially good recent record in the Arc. For example, eight horses are dual winners of the race in 2018.
- During World War 2, the Arc wasn’t run at all in 1939 and 1940.
- When Longchamp Racecourse closed for redevelopment, Chantilly Racecourse hosted the event in 2016 and 2017.