It doesn't always have to be the Royal Ascot: Classic horseracing events
The Royal Ascot may be horseracing's most famous event, but there are other locations around the world that host renowned races. They are a showground for horse lovers, the rich and famous, and the beautiful.
Royal Ascot
There's definitely style at the Royal Ascot, the world's most prestigious horseracing event. It has stood under the patronage of the Royal Family for over 300 years, with some 300,000 visitors attending it each year — including for the first time Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. In addition to the sports aspect, the event is famous for its prominent guests and their extravagant wardrobes.
Baden-Baden
The race track in Iffezheim has existed since 1858 and is one of Germany's most renowned. Each year, three races — the "Spring Festival," the "Great Festival Week" and the "Sales & Racing Festival" — attract countless visitors. The Great Festival Week at the end of August is considered the premium horseracing event in the country, but unlike the Royal Ascot, there's no official dress code.
Palio di Siena
The Palio di Siena is the shortest and perhaps the toughest horseracing event in the world. It takes places each year on July 2 and August 16 on the Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy. In existence since the 13th century, jockeys representing the 17 contrade (city wards) ride bareback, competing against one another. During the races, the city is shrouded in the colors of the various contrade.
Kentucky Derby
Spectators enjoy the Kentucky Derby on the first weekend in May at Churchill Downs in the US state of Kentucky. It is the kick-off event for the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The Derby has existed since 1875 and is one of the world's most prestigious racing events. It's also known as the "Run for the Roses" since the winner is adorned with a garland composed of over 400 red roses.
Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup is the second highest paid horse race in the world, with prize money amounting to $10 million. Thoroughbreds have been competing on the last Saturday in March since 1996. The event draws around 500,000 spectators. It is Dubai's most important event and was established by Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.
Prix de l‘Arc de Triomphe
You'll find extravagant fashion at the Longchamp racetrack in western Paris' Bois de Boulogne. The world-famous Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe takes place there on the first Sunday in October each year. It was originally established to celebrate the end of the First World War.