Horse racing is a popular sport all over the world. From Japan to the Middle East, some of the fastest and strongest horses are bred for racing purposes. With the advent of live television, watching these events has become easier than ever. Below we list three of the biggest horse races in the world that you may want to watch.
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is held as part of the Cheltenham Festival in the United Kingdom. This is the main event at the meeting of many major races filled with the best horses, jockeys and trainers. The winning horse will receive a cool £625,000 for its trainer.
It was first held in 1819 and was conducted on flat ground. Now the race is a steeplechase, the horse must run three miles and two and a half furlongs, with 22 fences jumped.
This year's event will prove to be just as competitive as last year. Last year, jockey Rachel Blackmore became the first woman to win the A Plus Tard and is expected to return as a 15/2 shot to take home her win in the Cheltenham Festival Betting. Top jockey Paul Townend will also battle it out for first place with 6/4 favorite Gallopin des Champs.
See also: Explaining the different bets on horse racing
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is held annually and takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. It is a first-class ring race for fillies aged three years and above. This means that young horses get the opportunity to show their potential and make a name for themselves and their trainers.
This short, fast race is perfect for runners. Running over a mile, its fast duration often earns it the title of the fastest two minutes in American sports. Beginning in 1875 with its first race, it became part of the American Triple Crown, along with the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
In true American fashion, there were many traditions surrounding the race. The winner is often wrapped in roses after the event, and spectators have been known to enjoy a mint julep cocktail while watching.
Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is one of Australia's premier races and is known as one of the richest races in the world. This year, a whopping A$8 million will be awarded to the winner. It was first held in 1861 and was primarily a two-mile race, although this has changed sporadically.
Last year's race was won by Fairy Elegant, an Australian and New Zealand bred and trained horse, who also won the Caulfield Cup and Horse of the Year. Makebe Diva is the horse with the record for the most wins with three consecutive victories in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
These are by no means the only important races. However, for Nigerian horse enthusiasts keen to see what action the racing world has to offer, it is a good start.
