Anthony Lodati — 8 of the World’s Most Magnificent Race Horse Venues
Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world, originating to 4500 BC, and has been practiced worldwide. Although race format and traditions differ from track to track, the special bond between animal and jockey is found throughout. Horse race enthusiast Anthony Lodati, a New York businessman, has visited various racetracks around the world. Here is a list of Lodati’s top 8 favorite race horse venues around the world:
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is host to the Kentucky Derby: an annual horse race that began in 1875. More than a hundred thousand racehorse fans gather to watch what is considered to be “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. The Kentucky Derby is the most attended sporting event in the U.S with a record of 170,513 fans filling the complex in the year 2015.
Santa Anita Park
Located in Arcadia, California, Santa Anita Park is considered one of the most beautiful tracks in the world. While it may not host races as famous as the Kentucky Derby, with the San Gabriel Mountains located in the picturesque background, the scenery can arguably be as beautiful and exciting as the horse race itself.
Aintree
Aintree Racetrack in Liverpool, UK is home of the annual Grand National Steeplechase. This spot is known for some of the most dramatic moments in horse racing history due to the 16 steeplechase fences and hurdles littered throughout the course. Many horses and jockeys do not complete the full course.
Ascot
The Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England is home to the Royal Ascot Race, occurring every June since 1711. This is a major social event that is attended by members of the British Royal Family. The Ascot Racecourse is so beautiful and popular, it has made an appearance in several films including My Fair Lady the musical, James Bond: A View to a Kill (1985), and Skyfall (2012).
Longchamp
Longchamp Racecourse is located in Paris, France along the banks of the Seine. Established in 1857, the first race to take place at Longchamp was attended by the Emperor Napoleon III who arrived on a private yacht that sailed on the Seine River. Longchamp hosts the annual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Europe’s most prestigious race, which Longchamp once boosted “It’s not a race, it’s a monument.”
Meydan Racecourse
Meydan Racecourse, located in Dubai, UAE, is home to the longest man-made structure on the planet with a main grandstand that is more than a mile in length. Built in 2010, Meydan Racecourse also includes a five-star hotel that has an infinity pool that overlooks the racetrack. This is as luxurious as it gets in the horse race world.
Epsom Downs
The oldest of the 8 racehorse venues on this list is located in Epsom, UK. Epsom Downs has had horses running on it since 1661. In fact, the term “derby” originated from Epsom Downs’ nickname “Epsom Derby”. Although this is one of the oldest venues, it is well updated; in renovations completed in 2009, 11,000 additional seats were added.
Tokyo Racecourse
Tokyo Japan’s Tokyo Racecourse is a state of the art facility originally built in 1933. With the ability to hold 223,000 fans, and the presence of one of the largest video screens on the planet, it is no wonder people have nicknamed it the “racecourse of racecourses”. Of course this racecourse is surrounded by a beautiful skyline background.
