Horse racing has long been a popular sport in the UK, and whether you are looking for a family day out, a couple’s treat or even a trip with friends, a day at the races is always a winner.
From the glitz and glam of royalty to the Great British countryside, the UK has some of the best racecourses and race meetings in the world.
1. Royal Ascot
Horse racing isn’t known as the ‘sport of Kings’ for no reason.
Royalty have always had an association with the sport and Royal Ascot showcases that better than any other sporting event in the world.
Owned by the Queen, Ascot racecourse plays host to the event each summer with Her Majesty attending each of the five days.
Spectators even get the chance to see her arrive in a horse and carriage, which parades in front of the stands before racing begins.
Along with the excellent racing, there is plenty to enjoy in the fashion stakes.
Royal Ascot is top of the British social calendar, with people travelling from across the world to don their top hats, dresses and latest fashion trends.
2. Cheltenham Festival
If Royal Ascot is more for the rich and famous, then the Cheltenham Festival is certainly for the racing purists.
Spectators are well known for donning their flat caps and tweed, as the real National Hunt racing fans descend on the Cotswolds’ for four days of the best jumps racing.
It also attracts thousands of fans from Ireland, as they make the pilgrimage to watch their equine superstars battle it out with the best that Britain has to offer.
Guinness is often aplenty, and it’s always worth doing your research to be well in the known when it comes to the betting odds.
From the each-way fancies to put into a Lucky 15 or the favourites to follow in an accumulator, you can get plenty of advice from betting experts, including those on freebets.com Cheltenham betting guide.
If you are new to betting on horse racing then this will give you a great insight into the latest odds and how you can go about registering with an online sports bookmakers in order to have a bet.
3. Aintree Grand National
Even with Royal Ascot to compete with, there is arguably no more famous race than the Grand National at Aintree in Liverpool.
An historic sporting event which dates back to 1839, it is one of a kind with horses jumping 30 fences over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs.
The race is often referred to as a lottery with sweepstakes taking place between family and friends each year.
The National holds a special place in the hearts of the British public, with the winner often seen on both the front page and the back page of the newspapers.
Some winners even become national treasures with the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll becoming household names after multiple Grand National victories.
4. Epsom Derby
To the breeding side of horse racing, there is nothing more important than the Epsom Derby.
There is even a famous quote that says, “the thoroughbred exists because its selection has depended, not of experts, technicians or zoologists, but on a piece of wood: the winning post of the Epsom Derby.”
It’s a quote that still rings true today, and although the race doesn’t quite have the same charm with the public as it once did, it’s still a hugely popular British affair.
From the red London buses lining the home straight, to the Queen often being in attendance, it’s almost like a mini version of Royal Ascot, and yes, the hats are just as important.
Betting on Horse Racing
A bet on the horses is a traditional part of the trip to the races, and whether you are picking a name or reading the form lines, our beginners guide to betting on horse racing is worth a look.
We cover everything from how to place your first bet, to understanding the latest horse racing lingo.