Horse racing is more than just a competition; it’s a captivating blend of athleticism, grace, and strategy. This gives worldwide horse fans enough reasons to celebrate. From Europe to Asia, North America, and the Middle East—you’ll find prominent horse races all year long.
Let’s take a victory lap through some thrilling contests that have captured our hearts this year. We’ll also quickly run through some upcoming competitions and show you how you can stay updated with the latest horse racing action.
The Thrill of Horse Races
Besides the spectacle of thundering hooves on the tracks, you’ll also find a thrill in connecting with other horse racing enthusiasts. It is, after all, a highly social sport.
So, whether a seasoned spectator or a curious newcomer, there’s always something to learn and discuss. Visiting reputable horse racing sites like Fan Odds provides you with comprehensive information and updates—where fellow horse lovers share data and insights on current and upcoming races. You’ll be amazed by the wealth of knowledge and the infectious excitement shared by racing experts and fans.
2024 Horse Racing Results
In horse racing, dominant runners often turn heads with their dominance. But it isn’t just about established champions. Up-and-coming jockeys and thoroughbreds are constantly making their mark, leading to devastating upsets. It pays to keep an eye out for up-and-coming riders and lesser-known runners by accessing the latest horse racing results. You’ll discover contenders racking up wins with an impressive win rate.
Here’s a list of the latest winners:
Pegasus World Cup 2024: A Night of Firsts (27 January 2024)
The Pegasus World Cup at Miami’s Gulfstream Park is renowned for its innovative format and high purses. The race saw an exhilarating battle between established champions and rising stars this year. National Treasure was declared the fastest runner and took away almost USD$3 million (GBP £ 2.4 million) in prize money. The racehorse previously snagged the 2023 Preakness Stakes crown, the second of the three-leg American Triple Crown.
Saudi Cup 2024: A Battle of Champions (28-29 Feb 2024)
The Saudi Cup, often dubbed the world’s richest horse race, lived up to its reputation in 2024. With a staggering prize purse of USD$ 20 million (GBP £ 16 million), the race attracted the crème de la crème of international thoroughbreds—all 244 of them.
In a dramatic finish, Senor Buscador surged past the competition in the final strides, securing a well-deserved victory at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Japan’s entry, Ushba Tesoro, won second place.
Other competitions saw Irish powerhouse Tower of London capture the top spot in the Group 3 race Red Sea Cup. At the same time, UK thoroughbred Spirit Dancer triumphed at the Group 2 level Howden Neom Turf Cup. These wins signify the growing influence of international horses on the world stage.
Cheltenham Festival 2024: A Feast for Jump Racing Fans (12-15 Mar 2024)
The Cheltenham Festival in England is a pilgrimage site for jump racing enthusiasts. This year, the festival lived up to its hype, delivering a week of thrilling hurdles, steeplechases, and nail-biting finishes.
For the second year, Galopin Des Champs was declared the 2024 Gold Cup champion. Shishkin, the reigning two-time Champion Chase winner and one of the Gold Cup’s frontrunners, was pulled out over concerns about the thoroughbred’s running form. The same happened to Constitution Hill, who was supposed to compete in the Champion Hurdle.
The Festival also produced notable winners in other competitions—Stellar Story for the Albert Bartlett Hurdle, Absurde for the County Handicap hurdle, and Majborough for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, among others.
Dubai World Cup 2024: A Global Spectacle (30 March 2024)
The dazzling lights of the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai hosted the star-studded Dubai World Cup Carnival. This series of races attracts top international horses and jockeys, making it a truly global spectacle. The night culminated in the prestigious Dubai Sheema Classic, a turf race known for its intense competition.
This year, Dubai-trained Laurel River displayed a record-breaking performance to secure the USD$ 12 million (GBP £ 9.6 million) pot. The six-year-old racehorse’s victory upset veteran campaigner and 2023 Dubai Cup winner Ushba Tesoro, who found himself in second place—the same position he held in the 2024 Saudi Cup. Speaking of the Saudi Cup, 2024 winner Senor Buscador ran third and earned $1.2 million (GBP £ 962,580.00).
West Coast Wonder: The Santa Anita Derby (06 April 2024)
California’s Santa Anita Park witnessed a display of raw talent in the Santa Anita Derby this year, where Stronghold emerged as the winner. This electrifying colt left the competition in the dust, winning a spot at the upcoming Kentucky Derby on 04 May. Nine Santa Anita winners have so far snagged both wins. Stronghold also secured victory in the 2024 Sunland Derby last February 2024.
Upcoming horse races
After revelling in the early triumphs of 2024, let’s remember the upcoming prestigious races in the horse racing calendar.
- Kentucky Derby (04 May 2024) at the Churchill Downs
- Preakness Stakes (18 May 2024) at the Pimlico racecourse
- Belmont Stakes (08 June) at the Saratoga Racecourse, while renovations are ongoing at Belmont Park
- Royal Ascot (18-22 June 2024) at the Ascot Racecourse
- Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (05-06 Oct 2024) at Longchamp Racecourse
- Melbourne Cup (05 November 2024) at the Flemington Racecourse
- Japan Cup (24 November 2024) at the Tokyo Racecourse
Betting markets for some of these competitions open early. If you’re a punter, monitoring updates and tracking your bets are crucial to enhance your wagering strategies.
Join the herd
From the electrifying jumps of Cheltenham to the global exhibition in Dubai, horse racing continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It’s easy to see why. It’s an unpredictable sport where champions are crowned, underdogs rise, and the spirit of competition thrives.
So, keep your eyes peeled for upcoming races, get involved in the community, and witness the next generation of equine superstars carve their names in racing history!
