The Most Prominent Horse Racing Tournaments around the world
Horse racing is a sport which has been practiced by every civilization over a period of many centuries. Horses were used as the primary mode of transportation in the earlier days. Since then, the horse-human relationship has evolved considerably. The Chariot races held during the Roman Empire shows how important the sport of horse racing was. Currently, the style of racing, the horses and even the categories vary from one country to another.
The Dubai World Cup has become a premier event in the world of horse racing, with the best horses taking part from all across the world. Resultantly, the success has made Dubai, one the best horse racing centers of the world. This has drawn the attention of millions of enthusiastic and cheering spectators. It’s a complete international event. Previously, the Dubai World Cup was run on the dirt track at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. However in 2010, the Teapeta at the Meydan Racecourse was used from January 28 to March 5. The Meydan Racecourse comprises of a 1750 meter all-weather surface along with a 2,400 meter turf course. At full capacity, this unique structure can house more than 60,000 spectators.
The Dubai World Cup is the richest and the most glamorous events to take place in Dubai. Cash prizes worth US$26.25 million are at stake during the course of the event. The track is built with a 2 kilometer patch of sand and dirt. The entire setting gets illuminated with flood lights at night and is surrounded by thousands of cheering spectators. Some of the world’s best riders take to the field in order to win the prize money. Last years’ winners included ‘Jaafer’, who snatched the first position; ‘No Risk Al Maury’ came in second while ‘Paris Gagner’ stood last in the race.
The 2009 Kentucky Derby was one of the most competitive and antagonistic races that took place in recent history. The last Kentucky Derby was held in 2009 at Churchill Downs. A crowd of 153,563 people anticipated the start of the race. As the race began, ‘Join the Dance’ powered through the dirt track to take the lead. Following closely was ‘Regal Ransom’ who snatched the second place. ‘Pioneer of the Nile’ struggled to keep up with the pace by maintaining the third position. As the race went on, ‘Join the Dance’ did not lose the early initiative. ‘Mine that Bird’, which had struggled in the initial stages, decided to make a move. In the last 6 furlongs, the horse raged ahead. However it was ‘Calvin Borel’ who used the small opening in the pack in the dying moments of the race to finish on top. ‘Pioneer of the Nile’ came in second while ‘Musket Man’ finished third. ‘Dunkirk’ ended up finishing the race at the eleventh place while the overall favorite ‘Friesan Fire’ finished on the eighteenth spot
The Melbourne Cup was held on November 3, 2009 at the Flemington Racecourse in Australia. This is Australia’s richest 3200-metre horse race, which in essence has become a national passion. With a total prize money AUD $5.5 million, the race attracts the very best riders from across the globe. Many people alter their schedules for this day to spend some time with their friends and family in order to enjoy the game. The winning horses for the Melbourne Cup 2009 included ‘Flying Tessie’ at first place, ‘Spirited Halo’ at second position, ‘Bonindi’ at third and ‘Syndrome’ at fourth position. These races were properly televised which was watched by a worldwide audience.
The historic Pimlico Race Course hosts’ the Preakness Stakes on an annual basis since October, 1870. This makes it the second oldest racetrack in the world. For over a century, Pimlico has played host to various racing icons, horses and great races as well. ‘Rachel Alexandra’ won the Preakness Stakes in the year 2009. ‘Big Brown’ was crowned the champion horse of 2008 while ‘Curlin’ won it in 2007. The Preakness Stakes, throughout history, remains a true test of a horse's ability and class. It is a race where outstanding and remarkable horses are seen altogether at one place.
Even in the days of technology, fast cars and gadgets, many people throng to the stadiums to watch horses compete against one another in full flow. People still have a lot of passion and zeal for the sport. However, today the game has changed its course towards the 21st century by becoming the best gambling game in the world.
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