Horse racing is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. It’s been around for centuries, and there are many different types of races held around the world. But which are the 3 major horse races?
The Triple Crown Races
The three major horse races are known as the Triple Crown Races, or the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The Triple Crown consists of three races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. These three races have been held since the late 19th century, and they are all considered the pinnacle of horse racing.
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the oldest of the three races and takes place in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May. It’s the most famous and prestigious of the three races, and is often referred to as the “Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses that is draped around the winning horse’s neck. The Kentucky Derby is a 1$-mile race for three-year-olds and is the first leg of the Triple Crown.
The Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is the second race in the Triple Crown and is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. It’s held in Baltimore, Maryland and is the shortest of the three races, at 1 3/16 miles. Like the Derby, it’s a race for three-year-olds and is the second leg of the Triple Crown.
The Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is the final race in the Triple Crown and is held in Elmont, New York on the first Saturday in June. It’s the longest of the three races, at 1 ½ miles. Like the other two races, it’s a race for three-year-olds and is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown.
Other Major Horse Races
While the Triple Crown races are the most prestigious and well-known of the major horse races, there are many other major races held around the world. The Breeders’ Cup is a two-day event held in the United States which includes fourteen races and offers over $30 million in prize money. The Dubai World Cup is the world’s richest horse race and is held in the United Arab Emirates. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the most prestigious race in Europe and is held in Paris, France. The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous race and is held in Melbourne, Victoria. And the Grand National is a steeplechase race held in Liverpool, England that is one of the most iconic races in the world.
Conclusion
The Triple Crown Races—the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes—are the three major horse races in the world. These races have been held since the late 19th century and are considered the pinnacle of horse racing. However, there are many other major horse races held around the world, such as the Breeders’ Cup, the Dubai World Cup, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Melbourne Cup and the Grand National.