There aren’t many sports that elicit such a strong reaction as horse racing. Horse racing is organized as a successful sport in many cultures and that is why many countries organize races throughout the year. Take as an example two major annual racing events which are the Cheltenham Festival, based in England, which takes place in March, followed by the Kentucky Derby, favourite of the United States, which starts in early May. Both events are highly anticipated in their country, and there is a key difference between the lucrative nature of horse racing in England versus the United States. These two unmissable events have always been interpreted as major players in horse racing for many years. But then, what are the differences between the Kentucky Derby and The Cheltenham Festival?
Highly Anticipated Horse Races Around the World
Horse racing in England has a longer lineage than in other countries. There is not much dissimilarity between the official history of these two international racing events, no doubt related to the establishment of official regulations which were not removed until the 1600s. In the United States, steeplechase is less practiced because only 11 out of 50 States include this type of competition in their horse racing calendars, which makes a huge difference with England that separates the two types of events into Flat Racing and National Hunt. Also, England contributes to more than half of all steeplechase races around the world.
The Cheltenham Festival, and the famous Cheltenham Gold Cup
In fact, the Cheltenham Gold Cup is arguably one of the most anticipated horse racing events in the world. On the program of this British festival, four days of the most prestigious races each other. It is not surprising that this festival attracts so many spectators and television viewers. More than 250,000 people are expected for this 2022 edition which will take place from Tuesday March 15 to Friday March 18. We are also impatiently awaiting the famous “Cheltenham Roar”, this deafening noise caused by the crowd which now announces the opening of the festival. There are seven obstacle courses on the first day of competition. Many horses will face each other once again, so it’s no surprise that turf fans are always on the lookout for good advice and cheltenham festival tips.
The Kentucky Derby, the Strength Put Forward
Another big event on the horse racing calendar, for different reasons than the Cheltenham Festival, is the Kentucky Derby. It takes place every year on the first Saturday of May. The legendary Churchill Downs course can include up to 20 horses in a race instead of the usual eight. This American event is unlike any other event in England. This Level 1 race is often described as the most thrilling two minutes in sports history, and all without the added challenge of show jumping. Another very marked difference between England and the United States is the Preakness Stakes which is considered the treasure of horse racing. This American competition shows how strength is favoured over agility.
Different Rewards From one Country to Another
Another major difference between horse racing in England and racing in the United States is in the prize money. Horse racing is a popular activity in many parts of the world, and especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. The winnings offered represent a real difference between the two countries. In the United States, and notably at the Kentucky Derby, prize money can reach over $30 million, while in England and at the Cheltenham Festival prize money reaches around £1.5 million.
If you Want to Bet on These Horse Races, Follow the Guide!
Horse racing never takes a vacation. Turf is the favourite hobby of many fans around the world who dream of changing their lives by hitting the top prize. Each year, thousands of dances over colossal sums on the Cheltenham Festival and the Kentucky Derby. Horse racing is a sporting event which, unlike other gambling, does not depend solely on chance. The result of these events is conditioned by multiple factors such as distance, type of terrain, time and of course the intrinsic strength of each of the participating horses. At the turf, bets are made between players and not against the operator or bookmaker. They also give you valuable advice for the Cheltenham Festival and the Kentucky Derby if you want to try your luck by betting your money.
Featured Image Credit: Bremer Rennverein on Pixabay
