Horse racing in England and the rest of the UK is a sport
that has been enjoyed for many a long year. Some of the
largest races in the world are held in this country at colourful
and exciting race meetings. This page gives you a
whirlwind tour of the major horse races in the UK starting
with The Classics - the five major flat races of
the year (for three year old horses), and continuing with
other highlights of the racing calendar.
The
Classics
The
2000 Guineas
This
race for colts is run over a mile at Newmarket race track
in May. The 2003 winner was Refuse to Bend.
The
1000 Guineas
The
female equivalent of the 2000 Guineas, this race for fillies
is run at the same Newmarket meeting over the same track
in May. Russian Rhythm won the race in 2003.
The
Oaks
This
race takes place in early June at Epsom Downs race track.
This is also a fillies only race. Last year's winner was
Casual Look.
The
Derby
The
major event of the flat racing calendar, The Derby is run
over a mile and a half at Epsom Downs. Kris Kin won
last year's race.
St
Leger
As
only three year olds can compete in the Classics, the St
Ledger represents the last chance for a horse to win one
of these prestigious races. The race is run at Doncaster
in September, it was last won by Brian Boru.
From
the Classics is drawn the Triple Crown of The Guineas,
The Derby and The St Leger. The last horse to complete this
treble was the great Nijinsky.
Other
Great Races
The
Grand National
Run
at Aintree in the Spring, this has to be the highlight of
the horse racing calendar for many people. It attracts a
huge number of people to visit the bookies - often for the
only time in the year - and provides great entertainment
for all. Last year, the race was won by Monty's Pass.
Below
are some of the other big races in the UK.
Champion
Hurdle
Triumph
Hurdle
Cheltenham
Gold Cup
Ascot
Gold Cup
Coral
Eclipse Stakes
King
George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes
