Horse racing is hugely popular – exciting, adrenaline fuelled and unpredictable – making it great for sporting fans and bettors alike. In Romania, it’s fair to say that there aren’t the races you’d get in other countries… but that certainly doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all the action of the biggest events in the world.
From the most legendary steeplechases to world-class flat racing events, let’s take a look at some of the best horse races you can bet on.
The Grand National – UK
The Grand National, held at the Aintree Racecourse in England every year, is one of the most famous and toughest steeplechase races in the world.
With its unpredictability, huge field of runners, and massive range of betting markets, there’s nothing that rivals the thrills of making a Grand National bet… even if it’s the only horse racing bet you make all year.
With 30 fences, run over a distance of 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, get ready for seriously dramatic finishes and the potential for massive payouts. From outright winners, to each-way bets, and forecast/tricast bets, the opportunities are endless.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup – UK
Another huge race in the UK is The Cheltenham Gold Cup, – the absolute peak of National Hunt racing and the main event in the Cheltenham Festival that’s held every March. This race attracts all the very best jump racing horses – going head to head, nose to nose over 3 miles and 2½ furlongs – navigating no less than 22 fences.
For anyone looking to place a bet, the Gold Cup is fantastic – with its competitive nature and excellent range of betting markets – pre-race and live.
The Kentucky Derby – USA
The USA also has some incredible races – and probably the most prestigious and famous of all is “The Run for the Roses,” the Kentucky Derby.
Held every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, this is the first race of the American Triple Crown and there are all sorts of betting markets you can choose from. With traditional win/place/show bets and more exotic wagers like exactas and trifectas, the opportunities are endless. With international appeal and massive prize pools, the Kentucky Derby is definitely worth a watch – and a bet!
The Melbourne Cup – Australia
Then we head to a land down under, with “The Race That Stops a Nation,” – the Melbourne Cup, which is Australia’s most famous horse race, no competition. Held every year at Flemington Racecourse, this is a two-mile handicap race that attracts the very best thoroughbreds from all over the world.
With massive prize pools – and plenty of betting action, you can place your wagers on outright winners, quinellas, trifectas and more. However, due to time zone differences, you might want to bet on the Melbourne Cup in advance through an online bookmaker.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – France
Going back to Europe, we have The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which is held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris every year and is considered one of the most prestigious flat races in Europe.
Taking place in early October every year, this is a 1½-mile race that always features the very best middle-distance horses in the world. With such a competitive field and plenty of favourable odds to choose from, this is a great option for horse racing fans!
The Epsom Derby – UK
We started in the UK and we’re fishing in the UK – with the Epsom Derby – known better as just “The Derby,” – and it’s one of the most popular flat races in the UK.
Held each year at the Epsom Downs Racecourse, this is always one of the highlights of the British racing calendar – and a major event in the English Triple Crown. Get ready for an array of excellent betting markets – from outright winners to betting on jockeys and trainers. With world-class racers and its unpredictable nature, this is a must-watch event.
How to Bet on Horse Races
The great news is that betting on international horse racing events is easier than ever, thanks to online betting sites. That being said, here are some of our top tips for betting on the horses:
- Understand the Odds: Make sure you know how to read fractional and decimal odds so you can find value bets.
- Research the Horses and Jockeys: Check things like recent form, track conditions, and past performances before you place your bet.
- Check Out Different Betting Markets: While win bets are the most common, you might want to go for place, each-way, and exotic bets to add a bit of variety.
- Set a Budget: Most importantly, make sure you set a budget, stick to it – and bet responsibly.
No matter what race you pick, do your research, stick to your budget and have fun! Good luck!