Horse racing is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world. It has been around for centuries and continues to attract millions of spectators and participants each year. Horse racing is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the purses for the biggest races can be staggering. But which horse race has the largest purse?
The answer to this question depends on the type of race and the location. In the United States, the Kentucky Derby has the highest purse. In Europe, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has the highest purse. In Asia, the Japan Cup has the highest purse. Let’s take a look at each race and its respective purse.
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is the most popular horse race in the United States and has the highest purse of any horse race in the country. The purse for the 2020 Kentucky Derby was $3 million, with the winner receiving $1.86 million.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France. It is held annually at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. The race was first run in 1920 and is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The purse for the 2020 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was €5 million, with the winner receiving €2.8 million.
The Japan Cup
The Japan Cup is a Grade 1 flat horse race in Japan. It is held annually at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo. The race was first run in 1981 and is one of the most popular horse races in Asia. The purse for the 2020 Japan Cup was ¥500 million, with the winner receiving ¥280 million.
The Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Arab Emirates. It is held annually at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, UAE. The race was first run in 1996 and is the richest horse race in the world. The purse for the 2020 Dubai World Cup was $12 million, with the winner receiving $7 million.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old and older Thoroughbred horses. It is held annually at various locations in the United States. The race was first run in 1984 and is the most lucrative race in North America. The purse for the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Classic was $6 million, with the winner receiving $3.6 million.
Conclusion
When it comes to the highest purses in horse racing, the Dubai World Cup is the clear winner. The 2020 purse was an astounding $12 million, with the winner receiving $7 million. The Kentucky Derby follows closely behind with a 2020 purse of $3 million and the winner receiving $1.86 million. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the highest purse in Europe, with a 2020 purse of €5 million and the winner receiving €2.8 million. The Japan Cup has the highest purse in Asia, with a 2020 purse of ¥500 million and the winner receiving ¥280 million. Finally, the Breeders’ Cup Classic is the most lucrative race in North America, with a 2020 purse of $6 million and the winner receiving $3.6 million.