Travel Locations for Horse Racing Enthusiasts

Last Updated: March 11, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: March 11, 2025.

Horse racing is one of the few sports that enable fans of the action to build a bucket list of events from across the world. Racing is popular in all four corners of the globe, with major races being staged throughout the year.

Each race will be staged at an iconic track, with each boasting its own deep history engrained within the sport.

Therefore, it is no surprise that there is a huge market for racing fans to travel, so that they can watch races that they would only typically be lucky enough to see from the comfort of their own home.

However, what are some of the most prestigious travel locations for horse racing that should be included on the bucket list for all fans?

Churchill Downs

There are few more desirable locations to watch horse racing across the world than Churchill Downs. The track in Louisville, Kentucky is one of the most distinctive in the United States, and it is most famous for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby.

Racing action has been held at the track since 1875, with huge crowds of over 170,000 people attending the major meetings on the schedule. The Derby is the biggest race to be staged at Churchill Downs, with legendary moments in the sport typically taking place in the opening leg of the Triple Crown.

Traditionally, the race takes place on the first Saturday in May, and notable recent winners of the race include American Pharoah, Justify, and Rich Strike.  You can place many types of bets for horse racing in this racetrack.

Chester Racecourse

If you’re looking to visit one of the most prestigious racecourses across the world, there are few with a deeper history than Chester Racecourse.

The track in Cheshire in the United Kingdom is officially recognised as the oldest racecourse still in operation by the Guinness World Records, as it first held horse racing action in the early sixteenth century. Records indicate that racing at Chester was first held in either 1512 or 1539.

It is also notable for being one of the smallest courses in England, as the main track only covers a distance of one mile and a furlong. Notable races on the schedule in the Cheshire Oaks, Chester Vase, and Huxley Stakes, which are all run in May.

Flemington Racecourse

If you’re looking for bigger adventure, there are few sports that are as popular as horse racing in Australia. Leading tracks can be found across the nation, but few rank as popular as Flemington.

Located in Melbourne, the course first staged racing action in 1840, and over 120,000 fans are able to pass through the gates at the course. Unlike many other courses across Australia, Flemington hosts jumps and steeplechase racing as well as action on the flat.

However, it is during the flat season that is gains the attention, with the world famous Melbourne Cup taking place at Flemington annually.

As well as hosting the world’s richest race over 3,200 metres, there are further notable Group Ones on the schedule. Among these include the Australian Cup, Australian Guineas, and the Makybe Diva Stakes.

Keeneland

It could be argued that the best location for horse racing action across the United States can be found at Keeneland.

The track in Lexington is a perfect spot for horses, and it also houses one of the biggest sales auction complexes in the world. Keeneland first opened its doors to the public in 1936, and it typically ranks at the top of tracks in North America.

The course is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it was also designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Keeneland holds notable races throughout the season, which includes action at the highest level with events such as the Ashland Stakes, Turf Mile Stakes, and Blue Grass Stakes. The latter is one of the key trials on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Cheltenham Racecourse

The most popular racecourse across the United Kingdom and Ireland is Cheltenham. Unlike other courses on this list, the track in Gloucestershire is only used for jumps racing, and it is most famous for the four-day Festival staged annually in March.

Racing at Cheltenham was first staged in 1815, but it wasn’t until 1834 when the Grand Annual was competed that it became the home of jumps racing. It’s beautiful scenic location makes it a natural amphitheatre, and it has been the location for some of the most defining moments in the history of British and Irish horse racing.

Several Grade Ones are staged throughout the four-day Festival, with the most sought-after prize coming in the form of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Blue Riband event on the jumps schedule has been won by some of the greats throughout history, with names such as Golden Miller, Best Mate, Arkle, and Kauto Star featuring on the Roll of Honour.