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Horse racing is often spoken of as the sport of kings. Therefore, there’s always an element of
grandeur and occasion that goes with attending a meet. Some venues are more luxurious than
others and bring a sense of anticipation that can rarely be matched at a sporting event.
There’s nothing quite like being dressed to the nines for a day at the races, enjoying a couple
of drinks with friends or family and even placing a wager or two. We’ll now break down the
two of the best locations to attend the leading horse races in the world.
Home of the Dubai World Cup and Godolphin Stables – perhaps the leading brand in the
sport. The World Cup has taken place at Meydan Racecourse since 2010, although the race
was previously held at the Nad Al Sheba for the 14 years previously. In 2020, Thunder Snow
will be bidding to become a three-time consecutive winner of the race, and leads the horse
racing betting for Dubai World Cup, having triumphed in 2018 and 2019. General admission
to enter the racecourse for the World Cup is 20AED, although for the element of grandeur
along with racing the price does rise quite steeply.
A ticket in the Sky Bubble where there is buffet food along with several drinks options in the
lounge will cost AED 900 per person. The Turf Suite takes you up to the next level and requires
a party of at least 10 people to book, although it will set you back AED 30,000. The view and the
food are unmatched – if you have the cash there are few events like it for excitement. The site also
continues a five-star hotel, therefore, you are able to stay within the reach of the racecourse rather
than having to travel. One of the unique features to Meydan is an infinity pool, which allows race
goers to take a dip while taking in the action.
The city hosts arguably the most famous horse race of them all, the Grand National. The
United Kingdom and Ireland come to a standstill on the first Saturday in April for the event.
It captures the imagination of the country unlike any other sporting event unless England are
in a World Cup or major football competition. Everyone either watches the race unfold on
television or on the radio, or even better still, turns up there in person. Aintree Racecourse is
one of the most legendary venues for horse racing in the world. It holds a capacity of 75,000
and will most certainly sell out on the Saturday of the National. Even casual or novice fans of
horse racing flood to the venue to take in the atmosphere as well as to be wined and dined.
Tickets often sell out well in advance of the meet – indeed sections of the venue for the 2020
race are not available with nine months remaining. A basic ticket for walking around the
stadium and a solid view of the race will set you back £67 per person in the Festival Zone.
For the more grandiose seats with an excellent view of the race and more importantly the
finish line – tickets range between £110 and £135 in the Earl of Derby Terrace and the Lord
Daresbury Roof. In those areas, there is access to a private bar and live music within the
concourse. If you’re willing to spend a bit more per head and if you’re travelling en mass,
hospitality packages begin at £334.50 per person. With that, you have access to fine
restaurants and boxes to mingle with the great and the good of the sport. It’s certainly a once
in a lifetime experience and should be enjoyed to the full.