Horse racing in the UK has a history that dates back many centuries to Roman times. Many of the sport's traditions and rules originated there. The internationally famous Jockey Club was established in 1750, and Britain hosts some of the most important events such as Ascot and Cheltenham, and many of the best-known races, which serve as international sport and society events. The following are some of the notable races and events that will be held in the coming months.
Royal Ascot
The Royal Ascot is a traditional race held in Britain that blends heritage, fashion and sport. It has been attended by Queen Elizabeth II and many other members of the royal family, and their arrival in a horse-drawn carriage at two o'clock sharp is a huge attraction for this event's attendees. The dress code is strictly enforced, with guidelines applying to styles and lengths for women. For men, black or grey morning dress with top hat is the rule. Press coverage of the attendees is usually higher than that of the race itself. The racecourse has three enclosures; the Royal Enclosure is the most famous of all. This year the event is between the June 18 and 22. For those less fortunate souls that are unable to put their best frocks on display, there is always the option of watching it streamed live from the comfort of their lounge.
Aintree Racecourse
This race track was built in 1829 and hosted the first Grand National in 1839. Since then, the iconic horse race has been attended by thousands of fans. In addition to horseracing, this venue was used from the 1950s until late 1980s for motor racing, and for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix five times.
Wickham Horse Fair
The Wickham Horse Fair dates back several centuries and it is held in the village near Fareham on May 20 this year. This fair attracts curious travellers, people interested in buying and selling horses, and those who like to take part in the horse run. The event also features fairground rides and market stalls.
Horse & Hound Festival of the Evening
The traditional Horse & Hound Festival of the Evening of this year is held in Keysoe from the May 25 to 27, during the second May bank holiday. The festival includes three events: the dressage, the cross-country and the final horse inspection and showjumping. The cross-country course is built to British Eventing standard, and it was upgraded with a new water complex last year.
Investec Derby Festival
The Investec Derby Festival, also known as the Derby, is a Group 1 horse race, which is featured at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on the first Saturday of June each year. Sometimes called the "Blue Riband", it is the most prestigious horse race of the five Classics, and it is so hard on the horses that their owners usually aim at winning only one of these celebrated five races.
Carlisle
This famous racecourse has been located in the village of Blackwell, in Cumbria since 1904. It features flat racing during summer and National Hunt racing in winter. It is considered a difficult racecourse due to its steeply-sloped last half mile, which can be very hard for the horses, especially during winter. The place is home to one of the oldest horse races: the Carlisle Bell. Other prominent races held there are the Eternal Stakes, the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase National Hunt, and the Houghton Mares' Chase National Hunt, occurring in June, November and December each year respectively.
Cheltenham
The Cheltenham Racecourse is famous for holding the National Hunt horse racing. It is located in Prestbury Park, Gloucestershire, and its most famous meeting is the Cheltenham Festival, which occurs in March. This racecourse is home to several renowned Grade I races, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Queen mother Champion Chase.
Britain's turf tradition is well expressed in its famous racecourses and races. These events have combined and defined British heritage, style and sport standards for centuries, and will continue to do so. They are thus unmissable for all those interested in horses, and British culture and society alike. They also present the opportunity to eat, socialise and relax, as they are held in beautiful places and attended by thousands of people.
