The glitz, the glam, the few seconds that could change history – horse racing has it all. Not only are the biggest horse racing purses an incredibly attractive prospect, but the honour of winning one of these races is just as tremendous. By the time you’ve finished reading this, you’ll likely be regretting your career choice. Check out the world’s richest purses in horse racing.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – $5.6 million
As Europe’s richest horse race, the continent’s elegance is always on full display at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Held annually at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, the Prix de l’Arc Triomphe is contested over 2,400m by thoroughbreds aged three years or older. Some of the world’s best horses have competed here and the 1st place prize is $3.2 million of a $5.6 million purse.
Japan Cup – $5.8 million
Held annually at Tokyo Racecourse, the Japan Cup is the country’s richest horse race for three-year-old and above thoroughbreds. Limited to just 18 places, participation in the Japan Cup is by invitation only and allows the opportunity to win a share of the $5.8 million purse. Run annually since 1981, the Japan Cup has established itself as an international contest with winners from all over the world.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic – $6 million
Contested over a distance of 2,000m on dirt, the Breeders’ Cup Classic is one of the world’s most prestigious horse races – almost as prestigious as playing online slots in Australia! Held annually at a different racetrack, all races since the 1984 inauguration have been held in the United States barring the 1996 edition which was held in Ontario, Canada. With the prospect of coming in 1st place and bagging more than half of the $6 million purse, the Breeders’ Cup Classic attracts some of the world’s best.
Pegasus World Cup – $9 million
While the Pegasus World Cup was the world’s richest horse race in 2018 with a prize purse of $16 million, the prize money for the 2019 edition has been almost halved. However, with a $9 million purse, the Pegasus World Cup is still one of the world’s richest horse races. Held at the Gulfstream Park in Florida since 2017, the Pegasus World Cup is contested over 1,810m on dirt.
The Everest – $9.8 million
Raced over 1,200m of turf at the Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia, the Everest offers a prize purse of $9.8 million making it the world’s richest turf race. Having only been held since 2017, the Everest is not as yet eligible for Group race status, but is contested by Weight for Age thoroughbreds.
The Dubai World Cup – $12 million
We’ve reached the world’s richest horse racing purse! Held annually at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai since 1996, the Dubai World Cup offers an incredible prize purse of $12 million with the winner taking home an enviable $7.2 million. Contested over 2,000m on dirt, the Dubai World Cup is the highlight of the racing calendar.