by International Correspondent

Here with find the horse races that you need to know about for 2018. Horse racing is a pursuit which takes place all year-round, with millions of dollars at stake across the world. The calendar for horse racing, particularly the Flat season, offers many chances for both legendary horses like Winx and jockeys to lay claim to huge prizes and sporting immortality.

And, for those who take part in this sport thanks to the betting sites in Australia and the rest of the world, there is the chance to take some big money home as well!

The Preeminent Pegasus World Cup

The Pegasus World Cup took place on January 27th at Gulfstream Park, in Florida, in the USA. this is the world’s richest horse race, with a prize of US$16 million up for grabs. Each of the 12 owners put in US$1 million, and the fund is then topped up by the organiser, the Stronach Group. The 1 ⅛-mile, or 9 furlongs, race takes place on a dirt track, and it is open to horses aged 4-years and up.

The Dazzling Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup takes place on the 31st of March in Meydan, Dubai. This stood as the world’s richest race until its mark was recently passed by the Pegasus World Cup. The winner takes home US$10 million from a total prize pot of $30 million, and it is the biggest social and sporting occasion on the Dubai calendar, ending the UAE racing season. This race is also run on dirt, and takes place over 2 000 meters, around 10 furlongs.

The Convivial Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is held on the 4th of May at Churchill Downs, and is known as The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sport, the Fastest Two Minutes in Sport, or The Run of the Roses, this last as a nod to the fact that the winner receives a blanket of flowers.

The Kentucky Derby has been run every year since 1875, and is the first leg of the US Triple Crown, along with the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

The Terrific 2 000 Guineas

The 2 000 Guineas is held on the 5th of May in Newmarket, in the United Kingdom, and stands as the first of the five English Classics during the season for Flat races. This Group 1 race is open to colts and fillies aged three-years, and takes place on a turf track extending for one mile.

Theoretically, the 2 000 Guineas is the first leg of the Triple Crown, alongside the Derby and the St Leger, but the endeavour of winning all three of these races has been attempted less frequently recently. The race was first run in 1809.

The Outstanding Oaks

The Oaks takes place on the 1st of June, in Epsom, in the United Kingdom, and is the third Classic of the season for that country. It is open to three-year old fillies only, and takes place over 1 mile, 4 furlongs, and 6 yards, on the grass track of Epsom Downs. The race began as far back as 1779!