With more than 2000 venues, horse racing is slowly gaining appeal on an international level and will quickly become the most popular sport in history. More than 40 locations can accommodate 40,000 people or more in seats.
Having said that, let’s examine the top 5 venues worldwide ranked by capacity.
5. Flemington Racecourse – 130,000 (Melbourne, Australia)
The largest horse racing site in Australia is Flemington Racecourse, which is situated in Melbourne and has 130,000 seats. It is well-known for holding the Melbourne Cup, the richest 3200-meter horse race in the world.
Located close to the Maribyrnong River, the racecourse is owned by Victoria Sports Club and held its first horse race in March 1840.
- Location: Flemington, Victoria
- Owned By: Victoria Sports Club
- Date Opened: 1840
- Capacity: 130,000
Melbourne Cup, Victoria Derby, Emirates Stakes, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, Newmarket Handicap, and Australian Cup are among the notable races that have been contested.
4. Hanshin Racecourse – 139,877 (Hyogo, Japan)
With a capacity of 139,877, Hanshin Racecourse is located in Takarazuka, Hyogo, Japan. The Japan Racing Association acquired the track in 1955 after Kawanishi Aircraft Company had originally controlled it.
The arena received its first significant refurbishment in 1991 after being unveiled in 1949. In 2006, the Hanshin Racecourse received another renovation.
- Location: Takarazuka, Hyogo, Japan
- Owned By: Japan Racing Association (previously owned by Kawanishi Aircraft Company)
- Date Opened: 1949
- Capacity: 137,877
Hosted notable races include the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Oka Sho, Osaka Hai, and Takarazuka Kinen.
3. Churchill Downs – 165,000 (Louisville, Kentucky, United States)
Established in 1875, Churchill Downs is located in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. In addition to hosting the renowned Kentucky Derby each year, it has played host to nine teams competing in the Breeders’ Cup.
Churchill Downs Incorporated owns the venue, which is capable of seating 165,000 people in seats.
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- Owned By: Churchill Downs Incorporated
- Date Opened: 1875
- Capacity: 165,000
The Breeders’ Cup, Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, Stephen Foster Handicap, Clark Handicap, and Kentucky Derby are among the notable races that were held.
2. Nakayama Racecourse – 165,676 (Chiba, Japan)
The second-largest horse racing facility in both Japan and the entire globe is the Nakayama Racecourse in Chiba, Japan. The racecourse, which is owned by the Japan Racing Association, has 165,676 seats and opened in 1907.
- Location: Funabashi, Chiba, Japan
- Owned By: Japan Racing Association
- Date Opened: 1907
- Capacity: 165,676
Among the notable races held were the Nakayama Grand Jump, Satsuki Sho, Arima Kinen (Grand Prix), Sprinters Stakes, Hopeful Stakes, and Nakayama Daishogai.
1. Tokyo Racecourse (Tokyo, Japan) – 223,000
With 223,000 seats, Tokyo Racecourse is the biggest horse racing venue in the world and the greatest racecourse overall. Founded in 1933, the Japan Racing Association is the owner.
Among many other important events, the Tokyo Racecourse has played host to the Japan Cup, NHK Mile Cup, and Tokyo Yushun, or Japanese Derby.
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Owned By: Japan Racing Association
- Date Opened: 1933
- Capacity: 223,000
The following notable races were held: Yasuda Kinen, Tenno Sho (autumn), Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), February Stakes NHK Mile Cup, and Victoria Mile (G1).