We are all looking for ways to enjoy ourselves in life, to be entertained and to make long days at work all the more worthwhile when it comes around to enjoying our free time, and there is nothing greater than being able to combine a number of our passions.
Many use their love for travel to head off around the world and follow their other passions, whether it’s attending a concert of their favourite musician or group, heading to a number of Formula One races, seeing as many matches in a rugby tournament as they can manage or taking in a top-tier horse racing event. With so much to see and so much to do, now that the world is finally, slowly opening up after the pandemic closed so many borders, it’s time to start planning in these exciting events that we love to attend, once again.
If you’re a keen fan of the horse racing world, then you will know all of the important events in the racing calendar, and you may even be looking for some inspiration on how to spend your free time. From Melbourne to the Middle East to the UK, we take a look at some of the finest tourist destinations in the world that you can visit and also watch a thrilling horse racing event or two at.
Australia
Endless sunny days, top sights to explore, out-of-this-world beaches, Australia is a top tourist destination for many a reason, and many more beyond what we have mentioned. When it comes to horse racing, the Melbourne Cup, which takes place at the Australian National Heritage Site that is Flemington, is the one to be seen at. Alongside its star-studded events, expect to see some exciting action on the course as this is the most lucrative two-mile handicap in the world, so make sure you keep a close eye on the racing odds throughout the event. In addition to this you have the Victoria Derby, Caulfield Cup, and WS Cox Plate in Melbourne and the Golden Slipper in Sydney.
When combining a visit to the races and a stay in Melbourne, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful sights, upscale hotels and excellent coffee as this eclectic bay-side city plays host to many enticing elements. And if Sydney is your destination, then the iconic sights will have you gasping in awe at every turn.
UK
The UK is a great place to take in some horse racing and this pastime is most talked about when it comes to the big events, which are centred around The Grand National, Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Taking place in Liverpool, Berkshire and Gloucestershire, respectively, these events make the headlines for their royal attendees, fashionable attire, and of course the action on the course.
The Grand National at Aintree, Liverpool takes place every April and is watched by more than 500 million people across more than 140 countries, so what makes this event so popular? Its unique and world-famous fences as tackled by its 40 competitors are a challenge that often see non-favourites taking the win in Saturday’s big race meaning that you don’t need to be a fan or expert of the horses to win some extra pocket money. Liverpool is an iconic English maritime city and is worthy of some time spent exploring its waterfront, galleries and plenty of sights and experiences relating to The Beatles.
United Arab Emirates
Professional horse racing in the UAE only began in 1992 alongside the formation of the ERA, but despite its short life, the sport has come a long way, with the industry and infrastructure achieved in this time proving to be a success. Anyone who has visited Dubai, for example, will surely have been in awe with its architectural masterpieces, phenomenal hotels and the brand-newness, so it will come as no surprise to learn of the state-of-the-art facilities that the racing world has built.
In the modern city, fans of racing will be attracted to the Dubai World Cup – the richest horse race on the planet with a prize purse of $30million plus for the March 2022 event. Attendees can switch between the action on the course and array of exciting activities that a trip to the city promises.
