Right from the start of 2021, the calendar is packed with exciting horse races spread out throughout the year. Probably the most anticipated race of the year is the Kentucky Derby which finished with an unexpected turn couple of weeks ago, but the excitement doesn’t stop there.

We have a lot more races to talk about in the horse racing calendar and in today’s article, we will highlight all the races you should look forward to.

Belmont Stakes – June 5, 2021

The biggest upcoming action comes at the beginning of June as Belmont Park takes over. This is the final leg of the Triple Crown. Winning the Belmont Stakes is once in a lifetime opportunity since the race is only open to 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.

Belmont Stakes or otherwise known as “the test of champions” is the longest race in the Triple Crown races coming at a mile and a half, and only 13 horses managed to win the Triple Crown.

It takes place in Long Island, New York located at the corner of Queens and Nassau counties. Learn more about the Belmont Stakes here: https://www.twinspires.com/belmont-stakes

Ascot Gold Cup- June 17, 2021

Right after that, we have the Ascot Gold Cup which takes place in Ascot, England and it is one of the oldest horse races in history established back in 1807. The race is 2 miles long and it is Britain’s most prestigious race on the calendar. 

This race is great for horses that prefer long-distance races with unpredictable results, which is great to spice things up in terms of betting.

In terms of prize, first place will win you around $200,000 which is actually low compared to other prize pools of multiple millions.

Prix D’Arc de Triomphe – October 03, 2021

Now we stay in Europe, but we move further south to France. Here we have the Prix de I’Arc which is one of the most popular races in the world. The race takes place in Longchamp Racecourse, Paris, France on the Turf surface.

The race is 1.5miles long and has a prize purse of $5.6 million. The race has almost a century of history behind it staging its first race back in 1920.

This is a weight-for-age race open to three-year-olds and up, but geldings are not allowed to enter.

The Everest – Third or October 16, 2021

Let’s move to another continent and visit Sydney, Australia. Here we have The Everest which is the game for the most popular race in the world that horse riders prioritize due to the unbelievable $14 million prize purse.

This was one of the richest horse races in history until the Saudi Cup announcements. Unfortunately, the event lacks Group/Grade 1 status, but it will eventually get the award in the future.

This is another weight-for-age sprint where participants must pay a $600,000 entry fee in order to compete in the race, and there are only 12 slots available. 

Melbourne Cup – November 02, 2021

We stay in Australia for the popular Melbourne Cup, which is a longer than usual race track coming in at 3,200m or 2 miles. The prize purse for the event is $5.3 million and it is a handicap for three-year-olds and up with weight set by the Victoria Racing Club. 

The first Melbourne Cup dates back to 1961, and since then the race gained popularity and got the attention of millions of fans. Most people know this race after Makybe Diva which is the only three-time Melbourne Cup winner back in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

Breeders Cup – November 06, 2021

The Breeders Cup race is hosted at a different venue in North America every year. The race is 1.25 miles long and has a prize purse of $6 million. The concept of the Breeders’ Cup makes this race unique in the global racing calendar.

This is a two-day meeting that is held at different racetracks in the USA (and once in Canada) each year.

There are qualifications where you need to win to enter the final race and they are held around the world. This is a weight-for-age race open to three-year-olds and up and it definitely promises a ton of excitement.