What is the most famous horse racing event in the UK?

Royal Ascot is the major flat racing festival in Europe and attracts horses from all over the world.

What is the most famous UK horse race?

One of the most famous horse races in the world, the Grand National is viewed annually by over 600-million people. Part of a three-day Nationa Hunt race meeting held just outside of Liverpool, with an attendance of over 150,000, the occasion tends to be as exciting as it is unpredictable.

Is the Gold Cup or grand national bigger?

The Grand National alone takes around £300m in bets each year and it is estimated that the Cheltenham festival (which includes the Gold Cup as it's feature race) hits the £500m. The prize money alone for the two races is over £1.6 million.

What are the big 3 horse races in the UK?

The English Triple Crown consists of the 2000 Guineas Stakes (at 1 mile), The Derby (at 1½ miles), and the St Leger Stakes (at 1 mile 6 furlongs and 127 yds) although the distances have varied throughout the years. Runners who have won all three races in one year are in bold.

What's better, Ascot or Cheltenham?

The prize money differs greatly – Royal Ascot offers £8.5 million across 30 races, while Cheltenham provides £4.5 million for 28 races. The Cheltenham Gold Cup pays £625,000, making it Britain's richest jump race. Both events bring huge betting action. Cheltenham sees £500 million in yearly bets.

What Are The Most Famous Horse Races? - United Kingdom Explorers

Why is Cheltenham so famous?

Cheltenham (/ˈtʃɛltnəm/) is a historic spa town and borough adjacent to the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, England. Cheltenham became known as a health and holiday spa town resort following the discovery of mineral springs in 1716, and claims to be the most complete Regency town in Britain.

Why is Ascot so popular?

Royal Ascot attracts the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world, and the event is famous for its competitive fields. Some of the most famous races include the Gold Cup, Queen Anne Stakes, and King's Stand Stakes.

What is the best horse racing event in the UK?

Royal Ascot, founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, is one of the world's most iconic horse racing events. Its origins date back over 300 years, and it has become a symbol of British heritage and tradition. Each year, the event attracts the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe.

Is Ascot bigger than Cheltenham?

Second place for biggest in the UK is Ascot, with a capacity of 70,000 viewers, which we've also already discussed just above! Third place goes to the ever famous and popular Cheltenham Racecourse, with a capacity of 67,500, and similar to Ascot, we're actually about to talk more in-depth about Cheltenham below!

How much do jockeys make?

How much does a Horse Jockey make? As of Aug 24, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Horse Jockey in the United States is $21.98 an hour.

What is the richest horse race in the UK?

KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES TO BECOME BRITAIN'S RICHEST RACE WORTH £2 MILLION IN 2026. Ascot Racecourse today announces that next year's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (the King George) will become Britain's richest ever race worth £2 million.

Is Cheltenham Races posh?

As one of the most prestigious events on the British social calendar, the Cheltenham Races combine the thrill of horse racing with the sophistication of high fashion. Every year, thousands of attendees flock to the historic Cheltenham Racecourse, dressed to impress in the finest attire.

Has a horse ever won the Gold Cup and Grand National today?

Golden Miller, in 1934, is the only horse to win both the Gold Cup and the Grand National double in the same season.

What is the biggest horse racing event in England?

Royal Ascot is the major flat racing festival in Europe and attracts horses from all over the world. The modern flat season in Britain now also climaxes with British Champions Day, a festival of championship races, also held at Ascot.

Is Cheltenham bigger than Grand National?

Cheltenham sits just behind the Grand National with the second-biggest prize pot in Europe which, again, adds a lot to the race and gets some of the best riders, like Rahcel Blackmore, racing there. The difference between The Grand National and Cheltenham is the amount of races that are there.

Do the royal family own Ascot Racecourse?

The racecourse covers 179 acres (72 ha) leased from the Crown Estate, and enjoys close association with the British royal family. Ascot was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne and is about 6 miles (10 km) from Windsor Castle.

Why is Ascot so expensive?

As Ascot is such a desirable place to live and is conveniently located just 25 miles west of London, property here can be expensive, although Northern Ascot offers better value for money being slightly further away from the town centre.

Can anyone attend Ascot?

All over 18s must purchase an adult admission ticket. Child tickets for Royal Ascot are free of charge in the Queen Anne Enclosure, Village Enclosure and Windsor Enclosure. Children do not need to pre-purchase an admission ticket and will be admitted at the turnstiles, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

What is the nickname of Cheltenham?

Nicknamed the "Robins", they have played at Whaddon Road since 1932. The club contests rivalries with Gloucester City, Hereford United and recently Forest Green Rovers.

What English town is known for springs?

Harrogate, Yorkshire

Following the discovery of the springs in 'High Harrogate' in the 16th century, the town's popularity was catapulted with the discovery of sulphur-rich springs in 'Low Harrogate' later in the century.

What is the most common crime in Cheltenham?

Cheltenham crime stats

Most crimes, 3.8k crimes were violent crimes which is 30.1% of all crimes committed in the area. Violent crime rate is at 89% of national crime rate. Possession of weapons crime was the fastest growing crime and it increased by 38.8% over the last twelve months.

Who is the richest jockey?

Do jockeys own their horses?

Jockeys are hired professionals and don't own their mounts. Are jockeys allowed to bet? No. Jockeys are banned from betting on any horse race, to avoid conflicts of interest.

How do jockeys stay small?

Most jockeys took a more straightforward approach; the radical diet, consisting of 600 calories per day. Red Pollard went as long as a year eating nothing but eggs.