
Turf Racing Culture Around the World
In this article, we explore the diverse turf racing cultures around the world, revealing how different nations celebrate and experience this prestigious form of horse racing.
The United Kingdom is considered the spiritual home of turf racing. Races here are steeped in tradition, pageantry, and history. Tracks like Ascot, Epsom Downs, and Newmarket host some of the oldest and most prestigious turf races globally. Royal Presence : Events like Royal Ascot are attended by British royalty and feature strict dress codes, adding a regal aura.
: Events like Royal Ascot are attended by British royalty and feature strict dress codes, adding a regal aura. Flat and Jump Racing : The UK uniquely celebrates both types, with turf used for iconic flat races like the Epsom Derby and steeplechase events like the Cheltenham Festival.
: The UK uniquely celebrates both types, with turf used for iconic flat races like the Epsom Derby and steeplechase events like the Cheltenham Festival. Culture: is deeply ingrained, with on-course bookies and shops across the nation.
French turf racing is known for its tactical complexity and graceful aesthetic. The country boasts legendary turf races such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, held at the historic Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. Emphasis on Bloodlines : French breeders and owners place great importance on turf-specific pedigrees.
: French breeders and owners place great importance on turf-specific pedigrees. Parisian Style : Races are social events, especially among the fashion-forward elite.
: Races are social events, especially among the fashion-forward elite. Tactical Racing: Courses are often undulating, favoring strategy over pure speed.
Turf racing in Japan is a massive industry supported by one of the world's most passionate and respectful fan bases. Major turf events such as the Japan Cup and Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) are celebrated like national holidays. Fan Engagement : Japanese fans are extremely loyal, often cheering politely and waiting hours to meet jockeys.
: Japanese fans are extremely loyal, often cheering politely and waiting hours to meet jockeys. High Stakes : Purses in Japan are among the richest in turf racing.
: Purses in Japan are among the richest in turf racing. Clean, Family-Friendly Venues: Turf tracks are modern, well maintained, and attract a wide demographic.
Japan's turf racing culture combines deep tradition with cutting edge innovation, making it one of the most respected in the world.
In Australia, turf racing is a key part of sporting life. Races like the Melbourne Cup, known as 'the race that stops a nation,' draw huge crowds and nationwide attention. Festival Atmosphere : Racing carnivals are week-long celebrations filled with fashion, music, and food.
: Racing carnivals are week-long celebrations filled with fashion, music, and food. Punters' Paradise : Wagering is hugely popular, both online and at tracks.
: Wagering is hugely popular, both online and at tracks. Diverse Participation: Racing appeals to everyone, from blue-collar workers to high society.
Australia blends sport and celebration, turning turf racing into a vibrant, inclusive cultural experience.
Turf racing in Hong Kong is fast paced and intensely competitive. Venues like Sha Tin and Happy Valley regularly attract thousands of fans and millions in turnover. Night Racing Spectacle : Races at Happy Valley are social events, especially on Wednesdays.
: Races at Happy Valley are social events, especially on Wednesdays. Massive Culture : The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the richest in the world.
: The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the richest in the world. International Participation: Events like the Hong Kong International Races bring top turf talent from Europe, Japan, and Australia.
Though the U.S. has long favored dirt racing, turf racing has steadily gained popularity, especially on the East Coast and in California. Prestigious events like the Breeders' Cup Turf and races at Belmont Park and Keeneland showcase elite turf talent. Diverse Racing Surfaces : Turf is one of several options, often attracting international horses.
: Turf is one of several options, often attracting international horses. Global Influence : Many turf races in the U.S. feature European or South American contenders.
: Many turf races in the U.S. feature European or South American contenders. Expanding Fan Base: Turf racing is attracting more interest from seasoned bettors who appreciate its tactical nature.
Turf racing is carving out its niche in the American racing landscape, with a growing and dedicated following.
From the traditions of England to the neon-lit races in Hong Kong, turf racing culture is as diverse as the countries that host it. While the surface may be the same natural grass the way people engage with the sport varies wildly. Some embrace formality and elegance, others create a carnival atmosphere, and some see it as a strategic sport of intellect and . No matter the location, turf racing continues to bring people together through shared excitement, national pride, and the timeless thrill of watching powerful horses thunder down the track.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
F1 Belgian Grand Prix Under Threat of Rain
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. According to the weather forecast, the Belgium Grand Prix could be a wet race, potentially throwing chaos into an already hectic race weekend. Spa is known for being a track that is prone to rain, especially during the summer, which makes the current climate projections no surprise. On Saturday, there is a 24 percent chance of rain, according to The Weather Channel, with winds in the 5-10 mph range. Temperatures hover around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. No rain should delay either the sprint race or qualifying, but race day is a different story. Safety car drives on the wet track during the red flag in FP3 ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. Safety car drives on the wet track during the red flag in FP3 ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. Photo byFor Sunday, there is an 82 percent chance of rain, with temperatures ranging from around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The winds are expected to be similar to those on Saturday. It is worth noting that Saturday night is expected to have rainfall, which means the track will be wet hours before any racing takes place. The teams and drivers will face tough decisions about whether to use intermediate or wet tires for the start of the race. McLaren driver Lando Norris is already preparing for "tough decisions" that he will need to make with the team. "It could be tricky now because of the rain, so I think you might have to make some more difficult decisions in terms of tyres and things like that," Norris said. "There's always a lot more points on Sunday, so I think most of the focus is always there, but if you're one position higher or lower in the Sprint race, it's not the end of the world. "You'll always take a bit less risk there, but Sunday is the main day." When asked about his record during wet conditions, Norris offered some optimism heading into the race weekend. "I'm British, and maybe that helps. I've had very good races this year in the wet, that's true," Norris added "But all the qualifyings have been in the dry when it's been that scenario, so it's tough. There isn't an easy answer. "I enjoy these conditions still. Maybe never the most fun because it can be quite scary at times, but Spa in the wet is normal, so I'm ready to go." Belgium Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying Results


USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Cleo Laine, Grammy-winning jazz singer, dies at 97: Reports
British jazz singer Cleo Laine, who performed with musical greats such as Frank Sinatra and starred as an actor in London's West End and on Broadway, has died at 97, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The Guardian and The New York Times reported the news July 25, citing a statement from Laine's children, musicians Jacqui and Alec Dankworth. "It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, Cleo, who died peacefully yesterday afternoon," the statement to The Guardian read. "We will all miss her terribly. The family wish to be given space to grieve and ask for privacy at this very difficult time." The Stables Theatre, a U.K. music venue that Laine co-founded with her late husband, confirmed the news in a statement posted to its website. Born to an English mother and a Jamaican father in a suburb of London in 1927, Laine initially worked as a hair-dresser, a hat-trimmer and a librarian. She first married in 1946 and had her first son, Stuart. Driven by her dream of becoming a singer, she divorced and got her big break in 1951, when she joined the band of English saxophonist and clarinetist John Dankworth at 24. How Clementine Campbell became Cleo Laine At the time, she had thought she'd been born Clementine Campbell, though a passport application later revealed her mother had used her own surname Hitching on the birth certificate. The men of the Dankworth Seven band thought her name was too cumbersome for a poster, and that her nickname Clem was too cowboy-like. They settled on a new stage persona for her by drawing "Cleo" and "Laine" from hats. In 1958, she and Dankworth married. Their home became a magnet for London's jazz set: Friends included stars from across the Atlantic such as Oscar Peterson and Ella Fitzgerald, Lester Young and Dizzy Gillespie. After acting as well as singing in Britain through the 1960s, Laine toured Australia in 1972 and performed at New York's Lincoln Centre. The recording of a further show, at Carnegie Hall, won her a Grammy Award. Her recordings included "Porgy and Bess" with Ray Charles. In 1992, she appeared with Sinatra for a series of shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London, but she was best known for her work with Dankworth's bands. He later became her musical director. The couple built their own auditorium in the grounds of their home near London and were friends with Princess Margaret, the sister of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Their two children went on to become musicians. Dankworth – who Laine described as being "joined at the hip" with her – died in 2010. Hours after his death, Laine performed a scheduled show in their auditorium, announcing the news about her husband only at the end of the concert. Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
City of Montreal intends to shut down MAGA-affiliated musician's concert
The City of Montreal intends to shut down a performance by Sean Feucht, a controversial Christian rock musician and rising star in the MAGA movement. Feucht, who is scheduled to perform Friday evening in a church in Montreal's Plateau Mont-Royal borough has expressed anti-diversity, anti-2SLGBTQ+ and anti-women's rights views on his platforms. In recent days, Feucht has dealt with several cancellations on his Canadian tour, including in Quebec City. Following the cancellation in Quebec City, Feucht announced that he had found an alternate venue — the church in Montreal. Catherine Cadotte, a spokperson for the Montreal mayor's office, told CBC News that the show "goes against the values of inclusion, solidarity and respect" and that the venue would be advised that the concert cannot take place. "Freedom of expression is one of our fundamental values, but hateful and discriminatory speech is not accepted in Montreal and, as in other Canadian cities, the show will not be tolerated," she wrote in French. But when asked specifically why the city would try to cancel the show, she specified that the church does not have the permits to use its venue for a show. Meanwhile, in a post on X, Feucht wrote the church wasn't backing down, and told his followers it was time to "take a stand for the gospel in Canada." It wasn't clear however if he was referring to the city's plans to stop his performance. When he announced his Canadian tour, Feucht stated in a promotional video that he had made it his mission to save Canada and that through him, hundreds of believers would be freed, healed, and delivered. Since Wednesday, the singer has had his permits to perform revoked in other Canadian cities including Halifax, Charlottetown, Moncton, Gatineau and Vaughan, Ont.