Horse racing has a lot in store this May! Not only are there simple racing fixtures every day but there are also large festivals that span for two or three days. Here, you can find the commencement of the most-awaited Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the Peroni Nastro Azzurro races, and the QIPCO Guineas Festival.
Moreover, learn about these events, their dates, where to watch the broadcast, how to buy the tickets, and a little look at the event’s history here. With such a jam-packed calendar, no horse racing fan will be bored!
Kentucky Derby
If you’re a big fan of legendary racetracks, there’s no better way to open the month of May than with the Kentucky Derby this May 5 to 6, 2023! This event has been ongoing since 1875 and is held at Churchill Downs. Furthermore, the Kentucky Derby is a top-rank, Grade-1 race set for countless three-year-old thoroughbred races that run on a dirt track.
Last year, Rich Strike and his jockey, Sonny Leon, won the derby with a two-minute and two-second lead. Moreover, the winner is draped with red roses to reignite the tradition of having roses as the derby’s official flower.
Likewise, since the derby is almost here, fans look left and right for the latest news to read more about their favorite’s performance and odds. So if you’re looking to watch the game and place your wagers, keep your information updated!
Lastly, the registration for the ticket pre-sales is closed, so finding and securing live seats may be challenging. Nonetheless, you can still see the game since it’ll be streamed online at NBC Sports and on the NBC Sports app!
QIPCO Guineas Festival
After the Kentucky Derby, you’ll witness another adventure on May 7, 2023, with the QIPCO Guineas Festival. Although the festival officially starts on May 5, you’ll still get to attend the event’s last day (May 7), where most final races will occur.
The first day will commence with open races during the afternoon, such as the Newmarket Stakes, Open Handicap Stakes, and the Jockey Club Stakes. On the second day, you’ll see the 2000 Guineas, the first classic race of the event that stands as a Group 1 flat race open to thoroughbreds.
The 1000 Guineas will commence on the last day – the second classic race battled by three-year-old fillies. Furthermore, although the two Guineas races are named as such due to the difference in prize money, they are both, nonetheless, regarded as prestigious races.
If you want to experience the thrill in person, you can always buy the tickets at the official site of The Jockey Club. Here, there are different packages depending on your situation and preferences.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro May Racing Friday
On May 12, 2023, you’ll want to see the Peroni Nastro Azzurro May Racing Friday! Although this event is a start-up race for the finals on May 13, it still offers massive excitement for horse racing fans everywhere. Moreover, this Friday event will prepare you for the thrilling atmosphere needed for the finale, as it includes competitive handicaps in its races.
The Peroni Nastro Azzurro May Racing Friday has lower ticket prices than the Victoria Cup Raceday. So if you’re looking for a race that offers incredible thrill while being cost-friendly, it’s best to consider this event!
If you want an elevated viewing along with premier restaurants and drinks, you’d want to get the King Edward Enclosure. On the other hand, you can get the Queen Anne Enclosure if you’d want a trackside viewing of the game and on-the-go food.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Victoria Cup Day
If you want to watch the last day of the Peroni Nastro Azzurro event, it’s best to get tickets for May 13, 2023! This event is the final day for horse races to run the seven-furlong field and win the Victoria Cup. Not only this, but the event consists of a heritage handicap, a race that offers over 50 thousand pounds of prize money- a great attraction for every horse and jockey looking for a memorable win!
Additionally, the Victoria Cup Day has the same enclosure options as the ones during the May Racing Friday. Although the tickets cost more, the event will grant you an exciting occasion to witness a noteworthy event as a horse racing fan.
Preakness Stakes
There’s no best event to tie up your May calendar than the Preakness Stakes on May 20! Although this thoroughbred event is held annually and is a century old, it’s still one of the most-awaited horse events that attract the best action-packed races.
Moreover, there are legendary races that offer thrills and excitement. In 1973, Secretariat crossed the finish line in under one minute and 53 seconds, which was soon declared the fastest time in 2012. If you want to watch these events live, you could buy tickets with indoor or outdoor seating and trackside viewing. On the other hand, you can watch the live broadcast from NBC Sports, so be sure to tune in to the official website!
Final Thoughts
You’ll have your calendar full this May with these horse racing events. Furthermore, since your calendar is booked, tune in to the latest updates and reminders on ticket selling and live broadcasts. Nonetheless, have fun with each action-filled race!
