Get Ready for a Season of Sports Entertainment: Horse Racing’s Grand Slam
The weather is slowly changing and that means one thing for sports fans: horse racing is coming back. Tracks across the US have been humming with activity throughout the winter months but, as we approach the spring and summer, it’s time to crank up the volume. That’s right, as we move into May and June, the Grand Slam of Racing takes center stage.
However, before that, there’s the small matter of races taking place elsewhere in the world. Where are these races and when are they happening? Well, as outlined in this Cheltenham Festival betting guide, one of the world’s leading National Hunt events takes place in March. From there, it’s onto other English festivals, such as the Grand National, before attention comes back across the Atlantic for the Grand Slam of Racing.
For those not in the know, the Grand Slam of Racing is the collective name for three thoroughbred events: the Kentucky Derby (May), the Preakness Stakes (May), and the Belmont Stakes (June). For racing fans in the US, and globally, the Grand Slam is an important time of the year. But for all the majesty and reverence of the Grand Slam, it’s important not to be myopic when it comes to horse racing.
Racing Around the World
As we’ve just said, there are major events taking place around the world, and nowhere is it more revered than in the UK. With places such as Newmarket regarded as the home of horse racing, it’s little wonder British events attract attention from a global audience. That’s certainly the case with the Cheltenham Festival. The four-day festival takes place every year in March and features a flurry of fantastic races, including the famous Gold Cup.
In fact, the Cheltenham Festival is regarded by many as the most prestigious meeting on the National Hunt calendar. Why? For starters, the festival as a whole features 28 races. These races are split into hurdles and chases, which means you get the world’s best horses across multiple disciples. Then, of course, there’s the event’s historical significance. The Cheltenham Festival first took place in 1860. Since then it’s become one of the biggest festivals in racing.
The Event that Kick Starts a Packed Schedule
Moreover, its flagship race, the Gold Cup, aka the Blue Riband of jump racing, is the proving ground for the best horses in the world. Put simply, Cheltenham is a major event and, because it takes place in March, it’s the perfect palate cleanser for the US Grand Slam. Although it would be remiss to say Cheltenham is a warm-up for anything, it does generate a sense of hype and anticipation. Indeed, from the Cheltenham Festival, racing fans turn their attention to the Grand National in April. Then it’s into the spring and summer schedule.
The US Grand Slam sits alongside other popular events, such as the Guineas, the Epsom Derby, and Royal Ascot. By this token, Cheltenham can be seen as the starting point for a run of races that never fail to deliver. The big three American races are certainly entertaining, but they’re just part of a much bigger schedule of events. So, if you’re someone who loves sport and drama, there’s plenty to look forward to as we move into spring. From Cheltenham to Kentucky, there’s entertainment for everyone.
