Iconic Horse Races: What Are the Oldest Horse Races in the World?

For hundreds of years, horse racing has been the pinnacle of pride, culture and excitement, and throughout history the iconic horse races have been preserved to be the highlight of the racing season.

You might be wondering what the oldest horse race in the world is, or maybe the most prestigious horse races through the years. From the medieval Palio di Siena to the Arc and Irish Guineas both introduced in the early 20th century, read on to learn more about the history of racing, and what you can expect on a horse racing holiday with Spectate.

Irish Guineas

The Irish 1000 Guineas horse race was inaugurated in the early 20th century, and now stands as a historic flat horse race that is open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies, with a course distance of 1 mile. The Irish 2000 Guineas was introduced one year earlier, a race of the same distance but both colts and fillies and its winners often go on to compete in the later race.

The annual race is one of the most famous horseraces in the 21st century, and if you’re thinking about attending classic horse races in UK, the Irish Guineas should be at the top of your list. Watching the racers fight for the winning prize money delivers a tension-filled atmosphere amongst fellow horse-racing enthusiasts, making for an unforgettable event.

Experience the best with Spectate

With Spectate's Irish Guineas horse racing package, you can also expect exclusive visits to Coolmore Stud, luxurious accommodation and grandstand seating or hospitality for the Irish 2000 Guineas and Irish 1000 Guineas. The true highlight of this annual race is that it’s amazing for solo travellers; after the race, you’ll have gained new life-long friends who are fellow horse racing enthusiasts.

Palio di Siena

The world’s oldest horse race is the Palio di Siena, dating back to its first recorded race in 1656. This medieval horse racing tradition has become an event of deep culture and intense competition, that is now recognised as one of the world’s most famous and prestigious horse races.

The Palio di Siena horse race is the most renowned Italian horse race since 13th century that takes place every summer, but many locals of Siena will claim that this is not just any horse race. The reflection of Siena’s pride and identity of the people of Siena is profound, and the celebration of the winner is seen a great honour. The streets of Tuscany’s Siena are closed in anticipation of the citizens and visitors from around the world flood in to watch the iconic flat race.

So, what can you expect to see at this medieval spectacle that is the Palio di Siena? Well, prepare to be immersed in heart-thumping action from the jockeys riding their horses bareback for three laps around the Piazzo del Campo. Although the race itself lasts 90 seconds, the entire weekend is full of sporting fun with an electric atmosphere, street celebrations and fun post-race trials to watch.

Experience the best with Spectate

Experience Tuscany in the best way possible with Spectate. With a tailor-made extension, you can enjoy this unforgettable event combined with a tempting summer getaway in Italy’s most picturesque region. Get premium Mossa Grandstand seats, superb accommodation at Grand Hotel Continental and Portrait Firenze, and unforgettable activities in Florence from local wine tasting to Italian cooking masterclasses.

Indian Derby

The Indian Derby is one of India's most distinguished thoroughbred horse racing events. Also known as the Mumbai Derby for its location, it has a rich history in India and was founded in 1943, named after the iconic Epsom Derby.

Since its inauguration, it has hosted some exhilarating races and has become India's premier horse racing event. The most talked about finish was in 1947. A filly named 'Her Majesty' fell early on in the race and both rider and horse recovered to finish in second place, beaten by a nose. Fast forwarding to today, Yorkshire-based jockey David Allan has won the Indian Derby 3 times — will he make it 4 in 2025?

It has grown to become so much more than a derby — it's an explosion of Indian culture and identity with esteemed high society figures and passionate fans attending every year. It's a bucket-list race for any horse racing fanatic.

Experience the best with Spectate

Experience Mumbai in the best way possible with Spectate's Indian Derby tour. With a personalised 7-night trip, you can witness the Indian Derby in the heart of historic Bombay with unmissable cultural and optional sporting extensions, including an optional upgrade to witness England and India's T20i test match in Pune. Enjoy lavish pre-race hospitality at the members-only Wellingdon Club and enjoy the racing from level three Grandstand seats that offer unrivalled views of the track.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The Prix de l’Arc is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and while you’re enjoying the electric atmosphere amongst fans and racing aficionados, you can immerse in the feeling that you’re a part of sporting history in the making.

Known by racing enthusiasts as the Arc, the race dates back to 1920, acting as the finale for the European horse racing season. The event itself is held at the spectacular Paris Longchamp Racecourse, and for centuries, it has been the pinnacle of glamourous flat racing, with legendary equine stars making it to the list of winners, including Mill Reef, Dancing Brave and Sea The Stars.

So, when is the L'Arc de Triomphe horse race? This year, the event takes place on the 6 October. A full day of racing held at the Longchamp Racecourse lies ahead, where thousands of racing enthusiasts watch from the one grandstand in nail-biting tension and lively passion as the bell starts the race.

Experience the best with Spectate

Join Spectate in the grandstand to see the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner battle with other racers to the finish line, all from unrivalled seats and paired with optional Paddock access and more. Plus, you can extend this incredible historic sport with an exciting city break in Paris, staying in superb hotels and being immersed in the vibrant culture and indulgent food scene.

Book your classic horse racing event with Spectate today

Nobody does it quite like Spectate, and we'll extend your trip with luxurious accommodation, unforgettable city breaks and delightful activities that will make for the ultimate sporting holiday. Get in touch with one of our travel specialists today for more information about our horse racing holiday packages.