The 10 richest horse races around the world

Here is a list of the top ten most lucrative races in Horse Racing.

There are currently no British or Irish races in the list, with a number of prestigious races across Australia, the Middle East and the United States making up the top ten.

Richest Races in Horse Racing

1. Saudi Cup - $20 million
2. The Everest - $20 million
3. Dubai World Cup - $12 million
4. The Golden Eagle - $10 million
5. Melbourne Cup - $8 million
6. Breeders' Cup Classic - $6 million
7. Dubai Sheema Classic - $6 million
8. Arima Kinen - $5.9 million
9. Japan Cup - $5.9 million
10. Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - $5 million

Saudi Cup - $20 million

The Saudi Cup has only been part of the horse racing calendar since 2020, but it immediately went to the top of the most prestigious horse races.

The race is run over 1m1f and takes place in February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia. The winner of the Saudi Cup claims a $10 million prize, with even the 10th placed finisher receiving £200,000.

The Everest - $20 million

The six-furlong Australian sprint race is now worth a whopping $20 million after an increase from $15 million ahead of the 2023 renewal.

It is officially the richest turf horse race in the world and is held at Royal Randwick in Sydney every October.

Dubai World Cup - $12 million

Until the inaugural Saudi Cup in 2020, the Dubai World Cup at Meydan was previously the richest race in the world.

The race is run over 1m2f and takes place every March. The headline race is worth $12 million, while the overall meeting is worth over $30 million.

The Golden Eagle - $10 million

The Golden Eagle is staged over seven and a half furlongs and takes place at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney at the end of October.

10% of the prize money is donated to charity each year but the race is not as well-known as other Australian races such as the Everest or the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup - $8 million

The race that stops a nation is a public holiday each year in Australia.

Regarded as the best staying race in the world, a prize pot of $8 million is available for the annual race at Flemington Racecourse.

Breeders' Cup Classic - $6 million

The Breeders' Cup meeting is worth a total of $33 million and the Classic race is the most prestigious race, carrying a prize pot in excess of $6 million.

The race takes place over 1m2f and the event is held at different locations each year.

Dubai Sheema Classic - $6 million

First held in 1998, this race for four-year-olds has become one of the greatest turf races in the world.

The race is run over a trip of 1m1f and takes place at Meydan Racecourse every March.

Arima Kenen - $5.9 million

The Arima Kenen takes place at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan every December.

A unique voting system confirms the field every year and the race has dominated by horses bred in Japan in recent times.

Japan Cup - $5.9 million

Run over 1m1f, the Japan Cup is the main event at Tokyo Racecourse every November.

There is a growing worldwide interest in the Japanese race, as more and more trainers target the prestigious race.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - $5 million

The Arc is the only European race on the list and is comfortably the richest race from the continent.

First staged in 1920, the Longchamp event has become one of the most popular races in the calendar.

What are the richest UK Flat races?

• Champion Stakes (Ascot)
• The Derby (Epsom)
• Juddmonte International (York)
• Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Ascot)
• King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Ascot)

What are the richest UK Jumps races?

• Grand National (Aintree)
• Gold Cup (Cheltenham)
• Champion Hurdle (Cheltenham)
• Champion Chase (Cheltenham)
• Ryanair Chase (Cheltenham)