Paris

Must Visit Hippodromes in Europe & US

more than a year ago
Many would be forgiven for thinking the age of visiting the hippodrome had perhaps passed the snapchat generation by, with the instantaneous consumption of media playing such a huge part in day to day life.
And whilst it is undeniable, that the appeal of the race track or hippodrome of yesteryear is certainly not as foreboding as it once was, the sentimental attachment and overwhelming feeling of nostalgia attached to a hippodrome remains as pertinent within society as ever.

Sure, you can tune into every horse race as it unfolds on your smartphone or sports channel subscription and kick back and tweet about it in your pants but very few experiences are as immersive and encapsulating as visiting a hippodrome and watching the action unfold. Bookmakers whistling away, squinting into the distance to attempt to see which horse is in front and the waft of hot dogs and beer are an attack on the senses like no other and for that reason, the appeal of the hippodrome lives on.

Having been intrinsically linked within sporting culture for the best part of a century, some of the remaining hippodromes and racetracks in Europe and America are pieces of architectural beauty. Here is a rundown of some of the must visit hippodromes in Europe and the US from the horse racing wagering experts of the Horse.Bet portal.

EUROPE

Ascot

With its rich Royal heritage, Ascot is part of British sporting folklore, having first held races back in 1711.
Flat racing is the order of the day in Berkshire, on the outskirts of London and the relative who’s who of British society can be found watching the action unfold. Regular visits from the Queen and Royal family only add to the allure of a visit to Ascot, which hosts a packed schedule throughout the UK summer.

Longchamp

Few races capture the sporting world in the same way the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe does every October, with the fastest horses on the planet doing battle at Longchamp. A racecourse situated on the periphery of Paris, Longchamp first hosted races back in 1857 and it too is a place where the great and the good congregate. Aesthetically, Longchamp is one of the most spectacular hippodromes on the planet and with a full winter and summer schedule, no visit to Paris is complete without a trip to Longchamp.

THE US

Churchill Downs

The home of the Kentucky Derby, few sporting venues are as infamous as Churchill Downs and its place amongst the grand pantheon of great hippodromes is unrivalled. Having first hosted races back in 1875, Churchill Downs retains plenty of its rustic charm and appeal from almost 150 years ago and the fans still pack in to watch the action unfold, week in, week out. Whilst the Kentucky Derby inevitably claims the limelight every May, there is a packed annual calendar of racing to get stuck into at Churchill Downs, making it an absolute must visit for any sports enthusiast.

Santa Anita Park

Flying the flag for racing on the West Coast of America is Santa Anita Park, a real throwback for any paying customers. Set in the picturesque Californian countryside, Santa Anita hosts some of the biggest races on the American calendar and is a tough track to beat when it comes to an immersive viewing experience.

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