The most glamorous horse racing venues in the world

Horse racing betting in Japan and elsewhere in the world has been prevalent for centuries now, and it is still a sport that is followed by millions, particularly in the United Kingdom.

There are several prestigious races held all over the world which draw many fans to these venues, and while many racetracks are nothing to write home about, there are several that will definitely take your breath away. Here we look at some of the most beautiful and glamorous horse racing venues in the world.

Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy

This is the central plaza in Siena, which is a magnificent piece of architecture, and is surrounded by rural scenery to make it one of the most beautiful venues in the world. The concave shell shape is divided into a sunburst pattern with red brick paving as old as 1349. The Palio di Siena horse race is held twice a year at this breathtaking venue, and it offers a beautiful juxtaposition between the old and the new.

Meydan, Dubai

Boasting the world's first five-star trackside hotel, restaurants and a museum, Dubai's Meydan Racecourse is a cathedral to 21st-century racing. The grandstand alone is more than a mile long and can host 60,000 spectators. What's more, there is a rooftop infinity pool. Since it replaced the Nad Al Sheba racecourse in 2010, Meydan has been home to one of the richest horse races in the world -- the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

You may not think of the icy slopes in Switzerland as a location for horse racing, but that is exactly what you get at St. Moritz, which is also one of the world's foremost ski resorts and is known for its winter sports. The venue for the White Turf event, which is held three days a year, isn't your typical racecourse. Horses and jockeys compete on a frozen lake against the wintery backdrop of the Engadine mountains. It's no wonder the event attracts more than 35,000 spectators each year, drawn in by the gallop and trotting races, as well as fan-favorite skijoring, where skiers are pulled behind unsaddled horses around a 2,700-meter icy track.

Churchill Downs, Kentucky, USA

Following a USD121 million renovation completed in 2005, the glorious facilities of Churchill Downs have been impressively modernized, fully justifying the premier racetrack's title of National Historic Landmark. Stretching over 147 acres, the racecourse, which has been the home of the annual Kentucky Derby since its official opening in 1875, now boasts 79 luxury suites, a new clubhouse, and the world's largest ultra high-definition video board. Most definitive, however, are the renowned twin hexagonal spires, a stunning and universally recognised architectural feature atop the grandstand that dates back to 1895.

Ascot, Berkshire, England

A legendary racecourse and pinnacle of British heritage, Ascot celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2011. Enjoying a prestigious connection with the Royal Family since its opening during Queen Anne's reign, this splendid course is the heart of the country's thoroughbred horse racing, hosting 26 equestrian events every year. The grandstand's beautiful aesthetics were designed to mirror the trees of the surrounding Berkshire countryside. (TINN/2 days ago) https://www.newkerala.com/business-world-news.php