RacingBetter News
	Thursday 13th November 2025

The Most Bet on Horse Races Across the Globe

Horse racing is an extremely popular sport worldwide and has attracted fans from all walks of life. Here in the UK, horse racing is the second most popular sport to bet on, falling just behind football. There are a variety of different reasons as to why horse racing events are so popular in the UK, ranging from our country’s rich history to contemporary fashion and culture, but our obsession with horse racing doesn’t just include races taking place on home soil.

In this article, we’ll take a look at three of the biggest horse racing events across the globe and try to understand why they are so loved by sports bettors and horse racing fans alike.

Sports Betting in the UK

Before we jump into this list of the most bet-on horse races in the world, we should first turn our attention to sports betting in the UK more generally. Horse race betting is extremely popular with sports bettors in the UK, and it was recently estimated that 37% of all sports bets made in the last year were on horse races.

However, many UK punters have reported finding that the restrictions placed on online sportsbooks regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (the UKGC) are too restrictive for their betting needs. With this in mind, many have been turning to online betting sites not on GamStop instead. These offshore betting and casino platforms not only give them greater freedom when it comes to how they place their sports bets, but they also open up a whole world of new sports betting and casino gaming opportunities, and provide them with extensive bonuses and rewards that UK-regulated sites simply cannot match.

Number One: The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is by far the most anticipated and watched horse race in the world. This race takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Beginning in 1875, the race is the oldest sporting event in the United States, and every year it attracts fans from all across the globe. It is even regularly visited by A-list celebrities, and has seen some of the most famous horses in the world go head to head for the win. This and the $3 million winner's purse make it an extremely tantalising option for UK-based sports bettors.

Number Two: The Gold Cup at Ascot

The Gold Cup at Ascot is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, and it takes place on our very own British soil. It is also the world’s oldest horse racing event, with the first ever race taking place in 1807. It occurs every year at Ascot Racecourse in June and is always attended by celebrities and royalty alike. The race is a massive two and a half miles long and it tests the competitors' stamina just as much as it does their speed, as such, it is a race for ‘stayers’, meaning horses who are trained for long distances. The impressive purse of £375,625 makes it a very desirable option for punters across the globe.

Number Three: Breeders’ Club Classic

This race is a hit for punters for a reason different to the other two. The Kentucky Derby might be the most popular race in the US, and the Gold Cup at Ascot the same for the UK, but neither comes close to the winner's purse of $7 million that is up for grabs at this race. The Breeders' Cup Classic does not have a set venue but rather changes locations every year. It is one of the richest horse racing events in the world, and as such, entices a huge number of sports bettors from across the globe. The race might not be as old as the others, having seen its first event take place in 1984, but it is certainly not lagging behind when it comes to respect in the horse racing world.

Final Thoughts: What Race Should You Bet On?

We’ve explored three of the most popular races that sports bettors place their money on, but which, if any of them, should you turn your attention to? The answer to this question comes down to personal preference. It’s a good idea to decide what kind of horse racing you're interested in. If you like stayers and long-distance races, then the Gold Cup at Ascot is a definite competitor, or, if you're here for popularity, then the Kentucky Derby is the place to go. However, if money is what appeals to you the most, then the Breeders' Club Classic, as one of the richest races out there, will offer some seriously high betting opportunities.