Horse racing is a beloved sport the world over; one only needs to look into just how many different countries have thoroughbreds who strut their stuff to have confirmation of that. Each of those nations, though, has its own crown jewels.
Over in the UK, the Cheltenham Festival is without question the biggest meeting on the calendar, while the Grand National is a race that gathers families around their TV sets each and every April. In the States, the Kentucky Derby is an event like no other, reeling in celebrities from far and wide to see what exactly will transpire at Churchill Downs. This year, the esteemed showdown was won by 7/1 shot Sovereignty, and now, online betting companies think the three-year-old colt has a big year ahead of him.
Did you cash in on Sovereignty winning the 151st Kentucky Derby? +600 🤑#KentuckyDerby
pic.twitter.com/KwIFwCjX8U— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) May 3, 2025
While trainer Bill Mott has ruled him out of the Preakness Stakes, torpedoing his Triple Crown chances in the process, the end-of-season Breeders’ Cup Classic is one that horse race betting sites think he has a chance of winning. Following his triumph at Churchill Downs, the latest horse racing betting at Bovada odds currently prices the reigning Derby champion as a 10/1 third favourite for glory at the lucrative race, narrowly behind frontrunners Fierceness (7/1) and Forever Young (8/1).
Should Sovereignty manage to reign supreme there, then he will net owners Godolphin an almighty windfall. But where does the Classic rank not just amongst American showpieces, but against the rest of the world? Let’s take a look.
America’s Crown Jewel: The Breeders’ Cup Classic
While the Kentucky Derby is America’s most famous and perhaps most prestigious race, it isn’t the most lucrative. Among the biggest on the planet is the aforementioned Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Last year, Sierra Leone stormed past the competition to seal the lion’s share of the vast prize pot, and he remains the poster horse for American thoroughbred excellence. The record-breaking earnings of Chad Brown’s charge have made him one of the most talked-about competitors of the year, and he’s expected to give the aforementioned Sovereignty a run for his money this November.
Europe’s Offering
Across the Atlantic, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe reigns as Europe’s flagship race, offering a prize purse that no other showpiece on the continent can compete with. Rich in history and prestige, the Arc, held at ParisLongchamp, commands global attention with its star-studded fields and electric atmosphere. The 2025 race is expected to be another blockbuster, although the current 12/1 favourite Kalpana has a tough act to follow after Juddmonte’s formidable runner Bluestockings’ sensational performance last October.
Outside of this glittering French fixture, the United Kingdom boasts its own racing icons, spearheaded by the Grand National. Known as the ultimate test of endurance, the 2025 Aintree four-plus-mile extravaganza saw Nick Rockett take the crown at a staggering price of 33-1, continuing trainer Willie Mullins’ stellar year.
Australia’s All-Star Trio
Down under, Australia throws its hat in the ring with The Everest, the richest turf race in the world. With a dazzling purse just shy of the planet’s biggest, it represents an innovative approach to racing as owners buy slots rather than gamble on qualification. The 2025 edition promises a thrilling contest, with Ka Ying Rising the even money favourite to storm clear over the uber-short six-furlong course, and with 13 wins in 15 races, it’s clear to see why.
No conversation about Aussie racing would be complete without the Melbourne Cup, famously dubbed “The Race That Stops a Nation.” With another huge purse, albeit almost half that of its aforementioned compatriot, the 2025 showdown will again woo marathon runners from across the globe. The race transforms Flemington into a carnival of colour and excitement, where high fashion meets high stakes. Questions loom large about whether local or international stables will dominate this year’s 3,200-meter autumn spectacular, with 10/1 shot Illinois the current frontrunner.
Lastly, the Golden Eagle stakes its claim as an emerging powerhouse, exclusively showcasing four-year-olds over 1,500 meters. Innovative and lucrative, it is fast becoming a hallmark event that draws attention from both local and international operations.
Middle Eastern Titans
Over the last decade or so, the Middle East has become a titan in the sporting world. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has infiltrated so many different sports that it’s hard to keep up. The Kingdom has a huge stake in the world of combat sports, with WWE and marquee boxing showdowns such as the duology between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury both taking place in the country. The country’s public fund also bought Premier League football club Newcastle United, transforming them into a powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia has also firmly entrenched itself as a hub of the racing world. It’s the Saudi Cup that currently dazzles brightest, with a staggering purse that makes it the richest horse race anywhere on the planet. The race has become the ultimate playground for global contenders, and anticipation builds as both turf and dirt runners prepare for their assault on the Riyadh racecourse.
