It’s fast-paced, exciting and there’s a lot of excitement in the air. Anyone familiar with the world of gambling has probably bet on horse racing at some point. Whether you play at a casino without a Swedish license, on domestic platforms, or prefer to place all your bets online, it’s always exciting to watch the races in person – whether it’s trotting or galloping. Below, we’ll take a look at three of the world’s most popular horse races, their history and where to take part.
Major horse racing festivals like Royal Ascot and the Dubai World Cup are more than just sporting events—they’re luxurious social gatherings filled with adrenaline and elegance. The thrill of the race, combined with the high stakes of betting, creates an unmatched atmosphere. Similarly, Czech players looking to capture that same rush from home can find it in the country’s top online casinos. These platforms offer an immersive experience with secure gameplay, generous bonuses, and live betting features. Explore the Nejlepší České Online Kasina to discover reliable sites where you can bet and play with confidence.
Historic Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot horse racing dates back to 1711, when Queen Anne saw the potential of the racecourse at East Cot. It is said that while riding, she said that the place would be perfect for “horses that gallop”. The first Her Majesty’s Plate, with a prize money of 100 guineas, open to all mares and geldings over six years of age, was held that year on 11 August. Seven entrants took part, and the race consisted of three separate heats of around 4 miles (6.4 km) in length – each heat was about the same length as the Grand National – meaning that the winner was always a horse with great endurance.
Royal Ascot is still famous for its “green coats”, which have been the ceremonial guard at Ascot since 1744. It is said that their green velvet uniforms were originally made from the same material as the yeomen velvets, as they are traditionally called, were employed to work during the reign of Queen Anne during the staged hunts. In the 19th century, their duties expanded to directing visitors and keeping crowds away from the course. Today, "greencoats" are available throughout Royal Ascot to assist visitors and answer their questions.
Today, the actual race week is usually held in mid-June, hosted by the British Royal Family. During her reign, Elizabeth II was a regular guest of honour, and the race began as soon as she arrived at the track. The name "Royal Ascot" also evokes associations with large hats and elegant attire. In fact, the race gave rise to one of the most formal events in the world, with a very strict dress code, which includes dresses of a certain length and hats for female guests and black or grey jackets with hats for men. One reason for the great interest in the race is also the total prize money, which often amounts to around 8 million British pounds sterling over the five days of racing.
Cheltenham Festival
From one British event to another: The Cheltenham Festival is often called the "World Cup of National Hunt Racing" and annually attracts the best trainers, jockeys and thoroughbreds from all over the world, including North America and Asia. The first organised race at Cheltenham was held in 1815 at Nottingham Hill, and then again at Cleeve Hill in August 1818.
Cheltenham is best known for the Gold Cup, the world's most prestigious national hunt race, which takes place on the fourth day of the festival. The Gold Cup has been held since 1819, when the winner took home 100 guineas by finishing first on the then flat course at Cleeve Hill. It was not until 1924 that the race was changed to include a steeplechase.
Those who want to attend the Cheltenham Festival can enjoy four days of exciting racing, including around 14 Group 1 races. The event is held every March and usually coincides with St Patrick’s Day, meaning it attracts a large Irish fan base. Once there, you can choose from 28 different races, each perfect for cross-country and steeplechase fans.
Dubai World Cup Night
We continue our journey to the warmer climes of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where visitors to Dubai World Cup Night can watch eight spectacular races taking place at the Meydan Racecourse. The race was previously held at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, but moved to the all-weather Tapeta track in 2010.
The biggest race of the horse racing festival is the Dubai World Cup, often described as the “richest horse race in the world.” As well as being the most lucrative, it is also the newest of its kind, having only been around since 1996, when it was founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the country’s vice president and prime minister.
Last year, the Dubai World Cup had a whopping $12 million in prize money. However, that was only for the final race – the total prize money for the eight races was a modest $27.25 million.
As well as focusing on the fastest horses, the Style Stakes also features the best-dressed spectator, before the event culminates in the spectacular closing ceremony of the Dubai World Cup.
World-famous horse racing events such as the Melbourne Cup or Royal Ascot blend tradition, high fashion, and heart-pounding action into unforgettable spectacles. They also draw millions in wagers each year. For those who enjoy betting on international events, the digital alternative offers even more flexibility. With zahranicni casina, Czech players can access foreign-licensed online casinos that provide a wide range of sports betting options—including horse racing—while offering generous bonuses and multilingual support.